WordValedefamation
damaging someone's reputation with false statements
In more detail
1. (noun) the act of saying or writing false statements about someone that damage their reputation
2. (noun) false statements that are said or written about someone to harm their reputation
Examples
- 1. The newspaper was sued for defamation after publishing false stories about the politician.
- 2. She claimed that his comments were defamation and took legal action against him.
How to use defamation
Defamation is a legal term referring to false statements that harm someone's reputation, encompassing both written (libel) and spoken (slander) forms. It appears frequently in legal contexts, journalism discussions, and debates about free speech. Unlike casual insults or opinions, defamation specifically requires false factual claims that cause demonstrable harm.
Common phrases
- defamation suit
- defamation case
- defamation law
- commit defamation
- accusation of defamation
Synonyms
libel · slander · calumny · aspersion · vilification
Word family
defame (verb) · defamatory (adjective) · defamer (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse defamation with mere criticism or insult; defamation specifically requires statements to be false and to damage reputation, not simply offensive or unflattering.
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