Defamer: meaning, definitions and examples

🗣️
Add to dictionary

defamer

 

[dɪˈfeɪmər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who damages the reputation of another by making false and harmful statements about them.

Synonyms

calumniator, libeler, slanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
defamer

Used when someone is making statements that damage another person's reputation, generally in any medium.

  • She sued the defamer for spreading lies about her business practices.
  • The defamer's comments caused a lot of harm to his public image.
slanderer

Used when someone speaks false statements, rather than writing, to damage another person's reputation.

  • The rumors spread by the slanderer caused significant distress.
  • She decided to confront the slanderer about the lies being told.
libeler

Specifically used when someone publishes false statements in written form that damage another person's reputation.

  • The journalist was labeled a libeler for printing false stories.
  • He took the libeler to court for the defamatory article.
calumniator

Used in a formal or legal setting to describe someone who spreads false statements about others, typically with the intention of harming their reputation.

  • The court found the calumniator guilty of spreading malicious falsehoods.
  • Political opponents often become calumniators during heated campaigns.

Examples of usage

  • The defamer spread vicious lies about his coworker to get him fired.
  • She was sued for being a defamer after her false accusations ruined his career.
Context #2 | Noun

internet

An individual or group that spreads false information online to harm someone's reputation.

Synonyms

cyberbully, internet libeler, online slanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
defamer

Used to describe someone who spreads false and damaging statements about others, typically in a general context, not necessarily online.

  • The journalist was sued for being a defamer after publishing incorrect information.
  • As a defamer, he destroyed many reputations with his lies.
cyberbully

Refers specifically to someone who uses the internet to bully, harass, or intimidate others, often involving repeated actions targeting the same person.

  • The school implemented strict rules to combat cyberbullying.
  • She became a victim of a cyberbully who kept sending her threatening messages.
online slanderer

Specifically denotes someone who makes damaging, false spoken statements via the internet. Typically perceived negatively.

  • The reputation of the artist was tarnished by an online slanderer.
  • After being targeted by an online slanderer, she found it difficult to regain her credibility.
internet libeler

Describes a person who publishes defamatory statements about someone else on the internet. This term is more formal and legalistic.

  • The CEO took action against the internet libeler who posted false claims on social media.
  • Internet libelers can face serious legal consequences for their actions.

Examples of usage

  • The defamer created fake social media accounts to post defamatory content about the celebrity.
  • Online platforms have been cracking down on defamers to prevent cyberbullying.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'diffamare', which means 'to slander'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 16th century, linked to accusations that damaged people's names.
  • The roots signify spreading rumors or false information to tarnish someone’s reputation.

Law

  • Defamation can be categorized into two types: slander (spoken) and libel (written).
  • In many jurisdictions, defamation cases require proof of falsehood and damage to reputation.
  • Some legal systems offer defenses against defamation, such as truth and public interest.

Pop Culture

  • Defamation cases are often a theme in movies and shows, highlighting conflicts over reputation.
  • Famous figures, like celebrities and politicians, commonly face defamation as a means of smear campaigns.
  • Courtroom dramas often include defamation as a plot point, showcasing the battle for truth.

Psychology

  • People may defame others as a defense mechanism to avoid scrutiny of their own flaws.
  • Social dynamics can play a role; individuals might defame to enhance their own social standing.
  • Witnessing or being a victim of defamation can lead to anxiety and trust issues in personal relationships.

History

  • Throughout history, political figures have been targets of defamation to manipulate public opinion.
  • During the Renaissance, pamphlets were printed to defame opponents in political and religious disputes.
  • The Salem witch trials saw accusations based on defamation leading to serious repercussions for many individuals.

Translations

Translations of the word "defamer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamador

🇮🇳 अपमान करने वाला

🇩🇪 Verleumder

🇮🇩 pemfitnah

🇺🇦 наклепник

🇵🇱 oszczerca

🇯🇵 中傷者

🇫🇷 diffamateur

🇪🇸 difamador

🇹🇷 iftiracı

🇰🇷 중상자

🇸🇦 المفتري

🇨🇿 pomlouvač

🇸🇰 ohovárač

🇨🇳 诽谤者

🇸🇮 obrekovalec

🇮🇸 meiðari

🇰🇿 жалақор

🇬🇪 ცილისმწამებელი

🇦🇿 böhtançı

🇲🇽 difamador