Defamation

/ˌdɛf.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

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

The celebrity filed a lawsuit for defamation after false statements were published about her in the press.

A false accusation that is intended to harm someone's reputation.

His career was almost ruined by the defamation spread by his rivals.

The act of making untrue statements about another person that injure their reputation.

Defamation can lead to serious legal consequences for those who spread false information.

From Latin 'defamatio'.

defamation of character

The legal term for intentionally harming someone's reputation.

sue for defamation

To take legal action against someone for damaging one's reputation.

slander

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

libel

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

Throwing shade

Her comments about his work were just throwing shade, a form of defamation.

Trash talking

The players were trash talking online, and it led to accusations of defamation.