The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ASPERSION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
A
S
P
E
R
S
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result ASPERSION
- A second individual torn apart by current slur
- Slight pains: sore bum
- Slander, as somebody describing one
- Like Nutmeg in character, one’s maliciously cast
- Slur like individual that one’s punched
- “Idiot,” Iranian once declared to be slander
- When individual internalises one malicious remark
- Slur like individual drinking fifth of tequila
- Slur like individual admitting onset of inebriation
- Doctor No praises character assassination
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "attack on reputation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case attack on reputation = aspersion.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ASPERSION mean?
ASPERSION noun- An attack on somebody's reputation or good name, often in the phrase to cast aspersions upon….
- A sprinkling, especially of holy water.
- (in plural) slander, calumny