Slandered: meaning, definitions and examples

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slandered

 

[ˈslændərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Slandered is the past tense of the verb slander, which means to make false spoken statements about someone that damage their reputation. It typically refers to verbal defamation, where someone falsely accuses another person to harm their character in the eyes of others. Slander can have significant legal implications and may lead to lawsuits for damages caused by the defamation. To succeed in a claim of slander, the victim must usually prove that the statements were false, damaging, and made with negligence or malice.

Synonyms

defamed, disparaged, maligned.

Examples of usage

  • He slandered her in front of the entire company.
  • The politician accused his rival of slandering him during the debate.
  • She felt slandered after the rumors spread in the community.
  • He was sued for slandering his former business partner.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Slander is a type of defamation that involves spoken statements, while libel refers to written statements.
  • To prove slander in court, the person must show that the statement was false, damaging, and not made under legal protection.
  • In many jurisdictions, slander is harder to prove than libel because spoken words often lack a permanent record.

Historical Origins

  • The word 'slander' comes from the Latin 'slandrare', meaning 'to defame or insult'.
  • In medieval times, slander was taken very seriously, with laws punishing those who spoke against nobility or individuals of status.
  • Shakespeare's plays often featured themes of slander, highlighting its destructive impact on characters and relationships.

Psychology

  • Slander can lead to long-term emotional trauma for the victim, including anxiety and depression.
  • People who spread slander may feel empowered in the short term but can also develop guilt or anxiety over harming others.
  • Social psychology shows that slander can alter public perceptions and behaviors, creating a cycle of negativity around the victim.

Pop Culture

  • Slander features in many songs and movies, emphasizing the pain and betrayal that comes with false accusations.
  • Television dramas often depict courtroom battles over slanderous claims, showcasing societal views on reputation and truth.
  • Celebrities frequently face slander and must navigate public relations strategies to maintain their images.

Media and Communication

  • In the digital age, social media can amplify slander, as false information spreads quickly online.
  • Journalistic standards are in place to protect public figures from slander, yet misinformation remains a persistent issue.
  • The rise of 'cancel culture' has sparked debates about the boundaries of criticism and the potential for slander in public discourse.

Translations

Translations of the word "slandered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamado

🇮🇳 अपमानित

🇩🇪 verleumdet

🇮🇩 dihujat

🇺🇦 оклеветаний

🇵🇱 zniesławiony

🇯🇵 中傷された

🇫🇷 diffamé

🇪🇸 difamado

🇹🇷 karalanmış

🇰🇷 중상모략당한

🇸🇦 مُشَوَّه

🇨🇿 pomluvený

🇸🇰 ohovorený

🇨🇳 被诽谤的

🇸🇮 obrekljan

🇮🇸 svertaður

🇰🇿 жала жабылған

🇬🇪 დასაბამებული

🇦🇿 iftira edilmiş

🇲🇽 difamado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,246, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.