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Libelous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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libelous

[ˈlaɪbələs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

defamatory

Containing or constituting a libel; defamatory; slanderous. It is a term used to describe a statement that is false and malicious, which damages someone's reputation.

Synonyms

defamatory, malicious, slanderous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
libelous

Used when referring to written false statements that damage someone's reputation.

  • The article contained libelous claims about the politician
  • The company sued the newspaper for publishing libelous content
defamatory

Used broadly to describe statements, whether spoken or written, that unjustly harm someone's reputation.

  • The celebrity filed a lawsuit for the defamatory remarks made against her
  • Posting defamatory comments online can lead to serious consequences
slanderous

Used for spoken false statements that harm someone's reputation, often with a negative connotation.

  • She was upset by the slanderous rumors spread by her colleagues
  • Slanderous comments can severely impact a person's career
malicious

Used to describe actions or statements motivated by intent to harm or cause trouble.

  • His malicious gossip caused many problems within the community
  • The accusation was purely malicious and had no basis in truth

Examples of usage

  • The newspaper published a libelous article about the politician.
  • She was sued for making libelous statements about her former employer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Libel is a type of defamation specifically involving false statements made in written form, distinguishing it from spoken defamation, known as slander.
  • In many countries, proving libel often requires the harmed party to show that the statements made were false and damaging to their reputation.
  • There are defenses against libel, such as demonstrating that the statements made were true or that they were made in a privileged context such as court proceedings.

Historical Origins

  • The word 'libel' comes from the Latin word 'libellus', which means 'little book' or 'written document', reflecting its written nature.
  • Libel laws date back to Roman times, when texts that harmed reputations led to legal repercussions for the authors.
  • In medieval England, the first English laws against libel were established to protect citizens from false accusations in print, laying groundwork for modern defamation law.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Throughout history, powerful figures have used libel laws to silence critics, bringing attention to the tension between free speech and protecting reputations.
  • Media scandals often arise from libelous articles, sparking debates about journalistic ethics and responsible reporting.
  • Some artists and writers have intentionally created exaggerated or false narratives in their works, dancing on the edge of libel for creative freedom.

Contemporary Issues

  • In the digital age, social media posts can lead to libel claims, as misinformation spreads rapidly and can cause significant damage.
  • Celebrities and public figures frequently file libel suits to protect their reputations against false statements made in tabloids and online platforms.
  • Technology advancements have sparked discussions about reforming libel laws to adapt to new communication methods while still protecting rights.

Origin of 'libelous'

The word 'libelous' originated from the term 'libel', which comes from the Latin word 'libellus', meaning 'small book'. In legal terms, libel refers to a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation. The adjective 'libelous' is used to describe such statements or content. The concept of libel has been a part of legal systems for centuries, evolving with the development of media and communication. The importance of distinguishing between free speech and libelous statements has been a key aspect of defamation law.

See also: libeler.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,569, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.