Meaning & Definition of word "Libelous"

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    Libelous

    /ˈlaɪ.bəl.əs/

    adjective:

    • 1. Containing or constituting a libel; defamatory.
      • Example: The newspaper published a libelous article that falsely accused the politician of corruption.
    • 2. Tending to damage someone's reputation through false statements.
      • Example: Her libelous comments about her coworker led to a lawsuit.
    • 3. Involving or characterized by libel.
      • Example: The company had to retract its libelous claims against the competitor to avoid legal action.

    Etymology

    From libel + -ous.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    libelous comments:

    Statements that are false and damaging to someone's reputation.

    libelous material:

    Content that is defamatory and authored in writing.

    libelous statement:

    A written assertion that is untrue and harms an individual's reputation.

    Related Words

    libel:

    A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation.

    defamation:

    The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.

    slander:

    The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

    Slang Meanings of libelous

    Meaning: to trash talk someone in a written format

    Example Sentence: He posted a libelous tweet about his ex.

    Meaning: spreading harmful gossip in print

    Example Sentence: The tabloid's libelous articles of celebrities went too far.