The term 'maligns' refers to a range of negative behaviors, including aspersing, libeling, defaming, smearing, and wronging. Aspersing is the act of making false or malicious statements about someone, while libeling is the act of publishing false or malicious statements about someone. Defaming is the act of damaging someone's reputation by making false or malicious statements, and smearing is the act of spreading false or malicious rumors about someone. Finally, wronging is the act of causing harm or injury to someone. All of these behaviors are considered maligns, and can have serious consequences for those affected.