Meaning & Definition of word "Slander"
Slander
/ˈslændər/
noun:
- 1. the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
- Example: She filed a lawsuit against him for slander after he falsely accused her of theft.
- 2. a false and malicious spoken statement.
- Example: His slander spread quickly among the community, tarnishing her reputation.
verb:
- 1. to make false and damaging statements about someone.
- Example: They slandered her character in an attempt to win the election.
- 2. to defame someone by speaking slanderous statements.
- Example: It is illegal to slander someone without evidence.
Etymology
●Middle English: from Old French 'eslandre', from Latin 'slandrare', from 'slando' meaning 'to be in a state of disgrace'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
slanderous remarks:
False statements made about someone intended to harm their reputation.
to slander someone:
To speak falsely about someone with the intent to damage their reputation.
a slander case:
A legal case involving a claim of slander.
Related Words
libel:
Written defamation; a published false statement that injures a person's reputation.
defamation:
The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.
malicious gossip:
Harmful or untrue information about someone, typically spoken informally.
Slang Meanings of slander
Meaning: Throwing shade
● Example Sentence: She's just throwing shade when she talks about his past mistakes.
Meaning: Dirt on someone
● Example Sentence: I've got some dirt on him that could ruin his career.