lästern

German

Etymology

From Middle High German lestern, lastern, from Old High German lastarōn, derived from laster (“abuse, revilement”). Analysable as Laster +‎ -n.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlɛstɐn/

• Audio:

  (file)

Verb

1. (transitive) to blaspheme against

   Die Ketzer lästern Gott und alle Heiligen.

   The heretics blaspheme against God and all his saints.

2. (intransitive, with über + accusative) to gossip, usually in a disdainful way; to bitch about; to speak ill of someone behind their back

   Wir lästern doch gar nicht, wir unterhalten uns nur.

   We’re not gossiping, we’re just talking.

Synonyms

• (gossip disdainfully): tratschen (gossip); herziehen (speak ill)

Derived terms

• Geläster
• Lästerei
• Lästerschwester
• Lästerung