libel

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable) A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
2. (uncountable) The act or tort of displaying such a statement publicly.
3. (countable) Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
4. (countable) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.
5. (countable) A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

Verb

1. (transitive) To defame (someone), especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
2. (transitive) To proceed against (goods, a ship, etc.) by filing a legal claim.

Synonyms

slander

defame

defamation

malign

calumny

calumniate

lampoon

backbite

vilify

discredit

abuse

slur

revile

denigrate

shame

vituperation

disparage

disgrace

asperse

lie

maidservant

obloquy

pasquinade

persecute

reviling

run down

satire

satirize

traduce

vilification

vituperate

womanly

character assassination

diss

roorback

talk scandal

treat somebody badly

written satire

raduce

villainize

affront

villainise

backbiting

badmouth

bespatter

black

blacken

calumniation

criticise

criticism

Translations

Verleumdung

verleumden

libelo

calumniar

belasteren

libelo

diffamation

diffamazione

libelle

difamar

calomnie

calomnier

Beleidigung

calúnia

difamação

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈlaɪbəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: libel

In summary

From Middle English libel, from Old French libelle, from Latin libellus (“petition”, literally “booklet”). Doublet of libelle.