Defame: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone damages another person's good name or reputation, often through spoken or written statements. This term is more general and can apply to both slander and libel.

• The politician claimed that the news article was intended to defame him.

Best used for spoken statements that are damaging to a person's reputation. This could happen in conversations, speeches, or any oral communication.

• He threatened to sue his coworker for slander after hearing the false rumors she spread about him.

Appropriate for written statements or published materials that harm someone's reputation. This includes books, newspapers, magazines, and online content.

• She filed a lawsuit against the magazine for libel after they published false information about her.

Used when someone is attacking another person's reputation by making false statements. Common in legal discussions or formal complaints.

• The politician was defamed by his rivals during the campaign
• The company is suing the newspaper for defaming their CEO

Appropriate when addressing someone making an untrue accusation against another person. Often used in discussions about justice and fairness.

• She was accused falsely of stealing the money
• He spent years in prison because he was accused falsely

Used to describe spoken defamation, where someone speaks falsehoods to harm another's reputation. Commonly appears in legal contexts concerning verbal attacks.

• She is suing her coworker for slander
• The rumors he spread about her were considered to be slander