Defame: meaning, definitions and examples

👎
Add to dictionary

defame

 

[ dɪˈfeɪm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

slander

To damage the reputation of someone by false statements; to slander or libel.

Synonyms

libel, slander

Examples of usage

  • He was defamed by the tabloids.
  • She sued the magazine for defaming her character.
Context #2 | Verb

accuse falsely

To falsely accuse someone of a crime or wrongdoing.

Synonyms

accuse falsely, slander

Examples of usage

  • He was defamed by his former business partner.
  • The politician claimed he was being defamed by the opposition party.

Translations

Translations of the word "defame" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamar

🇮🇳 बदनाम करना (badnaam karna)

🇩🇪 verleumden

🇮🇩 memfitnah

🇺🇦 обмовляти

🇵🇱 zniesławiać

🇯🇵 中傷する (chūshō suru)

🇫🇷 diffamer

🇪🇸 difamar

🇹🇷 iftira atmak

🇰🇷 명예를 훼손하다 (myeongyereul hwe-sonhada)

🇸🇦 يشوه السمعة (yashwuh al-samaea)

🇨🇿 pomlouvat

🇸🇰 ohovárať

🇨🇳 诽谤 (fěibàng)

🇸🇮 obrekovati

🇮🇸 rógbera

🇰🇿 жала жабу

🇬🇪 დასახელება (dasaxeleba)

🇦🇿 böhtan atmaq

🇲🇽 difamar

Etymology

The word 'defame' originated from the Latin word 'diffamare', which means 'to spread evil reports'. The concept of damaging someone's reputation through false statements has been a part of human society for centuries, with defamation laws evolving to protect individuals from such harm.

See also: defamer, fame, famous.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,622 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.