Defamation Definition
dĕfə-māshən
noun
A defaming or being defamed; detraction, slander, or libel.
Webster's New World
The utterance of a false statement that harms the reputation of another. Although most state laws require that a defamatory statement be made with knowledge of its falsehood, in some jurisdictions a cause of action exists for negligent defamation. Libel (involving a written false statement, including statements transmitted on the Internet) and slander (spoken, as opposed to written, false statements), are both forms of defamation.
Webster's New World Law
Synonyms:
Other Word Forms of Defamation
Noun
Singular:
defamation
Plural:
defamationsOrigin of Defamation
-
From Old French diffamacion (French diffamation), from Latin diffamatio
From Wiktionary
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to defamation using the buttons below.