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Libelous: meaning, definitions and examples

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libelous

 

[ ˈlaɪbələs ]

Adjective
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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "libelous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calunioso

🇮🇳 निंदात्मक

🇩🇪 verleumderisch

🇮🇩 fitnah

🇺🇦 наклепницький

🇵🇱 oszczerczy

🇯🇵 中傷的な

🇫🇷 diffamatoire

🇪🇸 calumnioso

🇹🇷 iftiracı

🇰🇷 명예 훼손의

🇸🇦 قَذِف

🇨🇿 pomlouvačný

🇸🇰 ohováračský

🇨🇳 诽谤的

🇸🇮 obrekljiv

🇮🇸 ærumeiðandi

🇰🇿 жала жабушы

🇬🇪 ცილისმწამებლური

🇦🇿 böhtan atan

🇲🇽 calumnioso

Word origin

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.