WordValelibel
defamation in written or published form
In more detail
1. (noun) a published false statement that damages someone's reputation
2. (verb) to publish a false statement that damages someone's reputation
Examples
- 1. The newspaper was sued for libel after printing false accusations about the politician.
- 2. The company libeled its competitor by making false claims about the quality of their products.
How to use libel
Libel refers specifically to false, damaging statements made in written or published form (including online), distinguishing it from slander which is spoken. It is used in legal contexts and journalism to describe both the harmful statement itself and the act of publishing it. The term carries strong negative connotations and is typically used in formal or legal registers.
Common phrases
- libel suit
- libel law
- accused of libel
- subject to libel
- libel against someone
Synonyms
defamation · slander · calumny · aspersion · vilification
Word family
libellous (adjective) · libelous (adjective, American spelling) · libelled (past tense/adjective) · libellist (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse libel with slander; remember that libel is published/written while slander is spoken.
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