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Libel: meaning, definitions and examples

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libel

 

[ ˈlaɪbəl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

Synonyms

calumny, defamation, slander

Examples of usage

  • The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false information about the politician.
  • The celebrity won a libel case against the magazine that printed lies about him.
Context #2 | Verb

legal term

To make a false and damaging statement about someone.

Synonyms

defame, slander, smear

Examples of usage

  • The company was accused of libeling its competitors in the advertisement.
  • She threatened to sue him if he continued to libel her on social media.

Translations

Translations of the word "libel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamação

🇮🇳 मानहानि

🇩🇪 Verleumdung

🇮🇩 fitnah

🇺🇦 наклеп

🇵🇱 zniesławienie

🇯🇵 名誉毀損

🇫🇷 diffamation

🇪🇸 difamación

🇹🇷 iftira

🇰🇷 명예 훼손

🇸🇦 تشهير

🇨🇿 pomluva

🇸🇰 ohováranie

🇨🇳 诽谤

🇸🇮 obrekovanje

🇮🇸 mannorðsmeið

🇰🇿 жала

🇬🇪 ცილისწამება

🇦🇿 böhtan

🇲🇽 difamación

Etymology

The word 'libel' originated from the Latin word 'libellus', meaning 'little book' or 'written statement'. In the legal context, libel has been a recognized offense for centuries, with early English common law cases establishing the principles of defamation. The evolution of libel laws has been shaped by landmark court cases and legislative reforms aimed at balancing freedom of speech with protection against false and damaging statements.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,791 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.