WordValeslander
defamation in spoken form
In more detail
1. (noun) a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation
2. (verb) to make false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation
Examples
- 1. He sued the newspaper for slander after they made false claims about his business.
- 2. She was accused of slandering her competitor by spreading lies about him.
How to use slander
Slander refers specifically to false, damaging statements made orally, whereas libel refers to written defamation. In legal contexts, slander is a tort that requires proof the statement was false, caused harm, and was communicated to a third party. The term carries strong negative connotations and is used in both formal legal and general conversational contexts.
Common phrases
- spread slander
- slander against someone
- commit slander
- accused of slander
- perpetuate slander
- slander someone's name
Synonyms
defamation · libel · calumny · aspersion · vilification
Opposites
praise · compliment · vindication
Word family
slanderer (noun) · slanderous (adjective) · slanderously (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners often confuse slander (spoken) with libel (written); they are distinct legal categories even though both are forms of defamation.
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