Defamatory: meaning, definitions and examples
🗣️
defamatory
[ dɪˈfæmət(ə)ri ]
legal
Harmful and false statements about someone, damaging their reputation or character.
Synonyms
calumnious, libelous, slanderous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
defamatory |
Typically used to describe statements or actions that harm someone's reputation. It's often used in legal contexts where someone is being accused of spreading false information about another person.
|
slanderous |
Refers to spoken statements that unjustly harm someone's reputation. Often used when discussing verbal communications, such as conversations or speeches.
|
libelous |
Specifically refers to written or published statements that unjustly harm someone's reputation. Commonly used in legal situations involving print media, online posts, or other written formats.
|
calumnious |
An unusually formal word referring to false and malicious statements intended to damage someone's reputation. Often used in literary or very formal writing.
|
Examples of usage
- The article contained defamatory remarks about the politician.
- She filed a lawsuit against the company for publishing defamatory content about her.
general
Tending to harm someone's reputation by making false statements.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
defamatory |
Used in legal or formal contexts to describe statements or materials that harm someone's reputation.
|
damaging |
General usage to describe something that causes harm or has negative effects; can be used in both physical and non-physical contexts.
|
hurtful |
Used in personal and emotional contexts to describe words or actions that cause emotional pain.
|
malicious |
Used to describe actions or behavior intended to harm others, often implying intent and cruelty.
|
Examples of usage
- The author was accused of writing defamatory comments about his ex-colleague.
- It is important to avoid making defamatory remarks about others.
Translations
Translations of the word "defamatory" in other languages:
🇵🇹 difamatório
🇮🇳 मानहानि
🇩🇪 verleumderisch
🇮🇩 fitnah
🇺🇦 наклепницький
🇵🇱 oszczerczy
🇯🇵 名誉毀損
🇫🇷 diffamatoire
🇪🇸 difamatorio
🇹🇷 iftira niteliğinde
🇰🇷 비방하는
🇸🇦 تشهيري
🇨🇿 pomlouvačný
🇸🇰 ohováračský
🇨🇳 诽谤的
🇸🇮 obrekljiv
🇮🇸 meiðandi
🇰🇿 жала жапқан
🇬🇪 ცილისმწამებლური
🇦🇿 böhtan xarakterli
🇲🇽 difamatorio
Etymology
The word 'defamatory' originates from the Latin word 'diffamatorius', which means 'slanderous'. The concept of defamation has been present in legal systems for centuries, with the aim of protecting individuals from false and harmful statements that can damage their reputation. In modern times, the term 'defamatory' is commonly used in legal contexts to describe statements that can harm someone's character or reputation.
See also: defamation.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #19,759, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 19756 crucifix
- 19757 sniffing
- 19758 restructured
- 19759 defamatory
- 19760 possessors
- 19761 reconstitution
- 19762 omnipotence
- ...