Libel: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where false and damaging statements are made in written or published form, including online content.

• The journalist was sued for libel after publishing false information about the celebrity.
• The blogger's post was considered libelous because it contained untrue accusations.

Use as a general term for any false statement that harms someone's reputation, whether written or spoken.

• She filed a defamation lawsuit against the company for spreading false rumors about her work.
• Defamation can have severe consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.

Use in situations where false and damaging statements are spoken rather than written.

• He accused his neighbor of slander for spreading false tales about him around the community.
• The company's reputation was harmed due to public slander by a former employee.

Use in formal situations to describe false and malicious statements meant to harm someone's reputation.

• He became a victim of calumny when his competitor spread lies to damage his career.
• The calumny spread about her was eventually disproven in court.

Used when talking about false written statements that harm someone's reputation.

• The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing unfair accusations
• She claimed that the article contained libelous statements about her

General term for making false statements that damage someone's reputation, can be used for both written and spoken words.

• The celebrity argued that the interview was an attempt to defame her
• He was accused of defaming a local business on social media

Specifically refers to false spoken statements that hurt someone's reputation.

• The politician sued his opponent for slander after the false statements made during the debate
• She felt deeply hurt by the slanderous gossip spreading around the office

Used when describing a deliberate attempt to tarnish someone's reputation, often with misleading or false information. It often has a more casual or conversational tone.

• He accused his rivals of trying to smear him with baseless accusations
• The campaign was full of smears and dirty tactics