Slanderer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slanderer

[ˈslændərər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person who spreads false and damaging statements about someone

A slanderer is someone who maliciously spreads false and damaging statements about another person with the intention of harming their reputation. Slanderers often engage in spreading gossip, rumors, or lies to tarnish the image of the target individual.

Synonyms

backbiter, defamer, libeler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slanderer	Use this word to describe someone who spreads false and damaging statements about others in speech. The slanderer spread rumors about the politician's personal life.
defamer	This term suits legal or formal contexts, where someone is intentionally trying to harm another's reputation by making false statements. The celebrity filed a lawsuit against the defamer who published false stories about her.
libeler	Used in legal contexts to describe someone who makes false, written statements that damage someone's reputation. It generally involves printed media. The newspaper was sued for being a libeler after printing false information about a local business.
backbiter	This word is best used for someone who criticizes or speaks badly about someone behind their back. It has a slightly more informal tone. He realized his coworker was a backbiter when he heard the gossip at the office.

Examples of usage

The slanderer spread vicious rumors about her coworker to tarnish her reputation.
The politician was accused of being a slanderer for spreading false information about his opponent during the election campaign.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Perspective

In legal terms, slander is a type of defamation specifically spoken, as opposed to written (which is called libel).
To win a defamation case, the injured party must prove that the statement was false and damaging.
Many jurisdictions have laws protecting public figures from slander, but they often have a higher burden of proof.

Historical Context

The concept of slander has been recognized since ancient times, with laws against it appearing in Roman law.
In the Middle Ages, slanderous speech could lead to severe punishments, including public shaming.
Renowned figures in history, like politicians, have faced slander to discredit them, which often shaped public opinion.

Psychological Impacts

Slander can lead to significant emotional distress for the victims, affecting their mental health and social relationships.
Studies suggest that the fear of being slandered can lead individuals to avoid public speaking or expressing their opinions.
The spread of slanderous information can create distrust within communities, damaging social cohesion.

Pop Culture

Television dramas often depict slander as a major plot device, illustrating the dramatic consequences of false accusations.
Songs and movies frequently explore themes of betrayal and slander, highlighting the emotional fallout of such behavior.
Public figures often use social media to counteract slander, demonstrating the rise of digital platforms as battlegrounds for reputations.

Literature

Classic literature references slander to explore themes of honor, betrayal, and the fragility of reputation.
Shakespeare's plays often feature slander as a tool for conflict, showing its destructive effects on relationships and characters.
In novels, characters who slander often end up facing their own downfall, reflecting moral lessons about honesty.

Origin of 'slanderer'

The word 'slanderer' originates from the Old French 'esclandreur', which in turn comes from the Latin 'slander', meaning 'scandal'. The concept of slander has been present in various cultures throughout history as a method of defamation and character assassination.