(n.) The act of reviling; also, contemptuous language; reproach; abuse.

abuse assailing assault attack berating bitter words blackening calumny character assassination contumely defamation defamation of character defilement denigration diatribe execration hard words invective jawing jeremiad malicious defamation muckraking mudslinging name-calling obloquy onslaught opprobrium philippic rating screed scurrility smear smear campaign smear word tirade tongue-lashing vilification vituperation