defamation
def-uh-MAY-shun
/ˌdɛf.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/
The act of damaging the good reputation of someone by making false published or spoken statements.
A legal and ethical term strictly requiring false statements presented as fact that cause measurable reputational harm.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'defamare', built from 'de-' (away from) and 'fama' (reputation, fame). It literally means stripping away someone's good name through harmful, false public reports.
Word relationships
- slander: Slander is spoken defamation, while defamation serves as the legal umbrella term.
- libel: Libel is written defamation, which falls under the broader category of defamation.
- vindication: Clearing someone of blame or proving their reputation is justified.
Commonly confused with
- insult: An insult hurts someone's feelings, whereas defamation harms their reputation in the eyes of third parties through lies.
Word family
- defame (verb): To damage the reputation of someone falsely.
- defamatory (adjective): Harmful and damaging to reputation.
Collocations
- defamation lawsuit
- sue for defamation
- defamation of character
Example sentences
- "The celebrity won a landmark defamation lawsuit against the newspaper after proving the claims were fabricated." Legal disputes
Memory hook
DEFAMATION = DE-FAMING someone by destroying their fame with false statements. Reputation destruction.
When not to use
Do not use for negative statements that are truthful or clearly framed as personal opinion.
Fun facts
- In many common-law jurisdictions, dead people cannot be defamed under civil law because reputation is considered a personal right that ends at death.
Related words
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