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Defaming: meaning, definitions and examples

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defaming

 

[ dɪˈfeɪmɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Defaming refers to the act of making false statements about someone with the intent of damaging their reputation. This can occur in various forms, including slander and libel. Slander involves spoken statements, while libel pertains to written or published content. Defamation laws vary by jurisdiction, and a successful claim typically requires proof that the statement was false, damaging, and made without adequate research into its truthfulness.

Synonyms

libeling, maligning, slandering

Examples of usage

  • He was sued for defaming his former business partner.
  • Social media can sometimes spread defaming rumors quickly.
  • The article was criticized for defaming public figures without evidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "defaming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamação

🇮🇳 मानहानि

🇩🇪 Verleumdung

🇮🇩 pencemaran nama baik

🇺🇦 наклеп

🇵🇱 oszczerstwo

🇯🇵 名誉毀損

🇫🇷 diffamation

🇪🇸 difamación

🇹🇷 iftira

🇰🇷 명예 훼손

🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة

🇨🇿 pomluva

🇸🇰 ohováranie

🇨🇳 诽谤

🇸🇮 obrekovanje

🇮🇸 dómur

🇰🇿 жала жабу

🇬🇪 გადატვირთვა

🇦🇿 təhqir

🇲🇽 difamación

Etymology

The word 'defame' originates from the Latin 'diffamare', which means to spread disrepute or about, from 'dis-' meaning 'away' and 'fama' meaning 'fame' or 'reputation'. This term evolved into Middle English as 'deffamen', referring to the act of damaging someone's reputation. The legal implications of defaming have developed over centuries, particularly as print media emerged in the 17th century, necessitating laws to protect individuals from false statements. The distinction between slander and libel—the two primary forms of defamation—became formalized in legal practices, reflecting the different mediums of communication and their impacts on individuals' rights to reputation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,551, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.