Another Word For Libel

Meaning

Libel is a legal term referring to a false and harmful statement made in written or published form that damages a person's reputation. When someone publishes a lie about another person, suggesting that the person has done something wrong or shameful, it can be considered libel. This act can lead to a lawsuit where the injured party seeks damages for the harm caused to their reputation.

Synonyms

• Defamation
• Slander (though slander refers specifically to spoken statements)
• Malicious falsehood
• Calumny
• Character assassination

Antonyms

• Praise
• Compliment
• Accolade
• Applause
• Honor

Etymology

The word "libel" comes from the Latin word "libellus," which means "little book" or "document." This term evolved in English to refer specifically to a written statement that defames someone.

Examples

1. The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false allegations about the politician's conduct.
2. Writing a libelous story about someone can lead to serious legal consequences.
3. The celebrity decided to take legal action against the magazine for libel when they published unfounded rumors about her personal life.
4. After the libel case was settled, the author had to issue a public apology and retract the false statements.
5. The court ruled that the comments made in the blog post constituted libel because they were not based on facts.