Libel

Definitions of ‘libel’

libel (noun)

Libel is a noun that refers to a false and malicious written or printed statement, or representation, that damages the reputation of an individual, group, organization, or entity. It involves the publication of defamatory content, typically in the form of words, images, or other media, with the intent to harm the subject’s character or standing in the eyes of the public. Libel is a form of defamation and can lead to legal consequences if proven false and harmful.

Examples of the noun libel in a sentence:

• A politician filed a libel suit after a rival party distributed a pamphlet containing unsubstantiated allegations of financial irregularities.
• The celebrity filed a lawsuit against the tabloid for publishing a damaging libel that falsely claimed he was involved in criminal activities.
• The journalist was careful to fact-check her sources to avoid any potential libel in her investigative report on the business tycoon.
• The author of the controversial book found herself entangled in a libel lawsuit when several public figures mentioned in the text claimed the content was damaging to their personal and professional reputations.
• The small-town newspaper published a front-page libel about the local business owner, accusing him of fraudulent activities without any evidence, leading to a defamation lawsuit.

Synonyms:

defamation, lampoon, roorback, slander, smear, calumny, falsehood, vilification

Antonyms:

praise, commendation, endorsement, acclaim, approval, eulogy, admiration, applause