defamation Definition
defa·ma·tion (def′ə mā′s̸hən)
noun
a defaming or being defamed; detraction, slander, or libel
Etymology: ME defamacioun < OFr difamacion < LL diffamatio
defamation Synonyms
defamation Law Definition
n
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.
defamation Usage Examples
Converse of object
- include: This end apparently justifies any means, including the defamation of the dead in their battle with the truth.
- avoid: A few corporations choose to grease the squeaky wheel to avoid product defamation by imposing management practices on us, their suppliers.
- involve: Cases involving defamation of the Polish president have been brought before, but none ended in a conviction.
- defend: Indeed, defending defamation there is altogether a very much tougher and more expensive business than in the UK.
- constitute: I have replied that reporting does not constitute defamation.
- claim: Dr. Godfrey then took action claiming defamation and seeking damages.
Adjective modifier
- alleged: A limited company can sue only insofar as the alleged defamation relates in some way to its trading activities.
- criminal: Worse still, he was arrested and charged with criminal defamation.
- digital: In Singapore, their fairly strict defamation laws have been extended to cover digital defamation.
- online: Online Defamation In May 2001 The Times newspaper found itself on the losing side in a libel action.
Preposition: on
Internet: The case raises a number of important issues regarding the impact of defamation on the Internet.
Modifies a noun
- proceeding: He now wants to bring defamation proceedings against the parent.
- suit: Some names are changed to protect me from defamation suits.
- claim: Applications for summary disposal in other defamation claims may be made at first instance to a Master.
- law: Criminal defamation laws are frequently abused, being.. .
- action: How does the cost of a defamation action compare to the damages award?
- case: See our article on the dangers of delay in defamation cases.
Preposition: of
character: Is there a case for suing her for defamation of character?
Noun used with modifier
Browse dictionary entries near defamation
- ‹ defalcation
- ‹ defalcate
- ‹ defacement
- ‹ deface
- ‹ def art
- ‹ def
- ‹ deerstalker
- ‹ deerskin
- ‹ deerhound
- ‹ deerfly
- defamatory ›
- defame ›
- defamiliarize ›
- defang ›
- defat ›
- default ›
- default judgment ›
- default risk ›
- defaulter ›
- Defaults ›

