The exoneration of three Duke Lacrosse players by North Carolina AG, Roy Cooper, in an alleged rape case and the “tragic rush to accuse” by District Attorney, Mike Nifong inspired this suggestion for a new term be added into the toxic behavior lexicon.

ni-fong / Pronunciation Key: [naye-fahng]
–verb (used with object)

1. to levy accusation for purpose of fostering one’s own personal or political ambitions.
2. to systematically withhold factual information that would reveal the truth.
3. to accuse another of an egregious or criminal offense (such as physical violence) without any physical evidence or corroborating eye-witness accounts.
4. form of toxic behavior whose damaging effects harm the lives, livelihoods, and communities of thousands.

[Origin: 2006-2007; see District Attorney for County of Durham, State of North Carolina)]

—Related forms

ni·fonged, past-participle
ni·fong, noun
ni·fong·ly, adverb

—Synonyms: accuse, indict, incriminate, impeach, destroy, toxify.
—Antonyms: exonerate, tell the truth, maintain the public trust, act responsibly.

Humor aside: this is an astonishing, highly public, and costly example of the far-reaching damage that could occur from a single toxic act. Highly unlikely you will ever be nifonged, but even minor forms of toxic behavior can damage your life and business.