Defamer: meaning, definitions and examples

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defamer

 

[ dɪˈfeɪmər ]

Noun
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'defamer' originated from the Middle English word 'defamen', which came from the Old French 'defamer' and Latin 'diffamare', meaning 'to spread evil reports about', 'to slander'. The concept of defamation has been a part of legal systems for centuries, with laws protecting individuals from false and harmful statements that can damage their reputation.

See also: defame, fame, famous.