libel

Plural: libels

Noun

• a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
• the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks
• A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
• The act or tort of displaying such a statement publicly.
• Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
• A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.
• A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

Verb

Verb Forms: libeled, libeling, libels, libelled, libelling

• To publish a false, defamatory written statement about someone.
• print slanderous statements against
  • "The newspaper was accused of libeling him"
• To defame (someone), especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
• To proceed against (goods, a ship, etc.) by filing a legal claim.

Examples

• a libel of forsaking [divorcement]
• Challenging a valid word feels like you’re trying to libel your opponent’s play.
• He libelled her when he published that.

Synonyms

asperse, assassinate, backbite, badmouth, belibel, belittle, besmirch, blaze, blemish, blot, calumniate, calumny, cloud, cut down, defame, demonize, denigrate, derogate, detract, discredit, disgrace, disparage, diss, forgab, infamize, lampoon, libel, malign, monster, reproach, revile, scandal, shit-talk, slag, slander, spatter, speak ill of, stab, talk shit, talk shite, talk trash, torch, traduce, trash-talk, vilify, vilipend, vituperate

Related Words

defamation, defame, slander

Anagrams of libel