noun
censure; criticism; blame; disparagement; vilification
Refers to verbal condemnation or speaking ill of someone; often used in formal or literary contexts. The word is usually written in kana.
彼は世間のそしりを恐れずに行動した。
He acted without fear of public censure.
その政治家はマスコミのそしりを受けた。
The politician faced criticism from the media.
非難 is a more common and direct word for 'criticism' or 'blame', while そしり has a slightly more literary or formal tone and often implies speaking ill of someone behind their back.
中傷 specifically means 'slander' or 'defamation', often with malicious intent, whereas そしり can be broader, including justified criticism.
Derived from the verb そしる (to slander, to criticize). The exact origin of そしる is uncertain, but it may be related to old Japanese roots for speaking or pointing out faults.