What term refers to an attack on a person's reputation?

The term that refers to an attack on a person's reputation is defamation. Defamation encompasses any false statements made about an individual that harm their reputation. It can take two primary forms: spoken (slander) and written (libel). In the context of this question, defamation is the most comprehensive term that encompasses these acts, identifying them specifically as damaging to someone's public image.

While innuendo refers to an indirect or subtle observation about someone that may harm their reputation, it doesn't directly denote a specific attack. Criticism generally involves expressing disapproval or pointing out faults but does not necessarily imply a malicious intent to harm someone's reputation. Slander, while also an attack on reputation, only refers to spoken statements, making defamation the more suitable term that covers both written and verbal statements.