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defamation Definition

defa·ma·tion (def′ə mās̸hən)

noun

a defaming or being defamed; detraction, slander, or libel

Etymology: ME defamacioun < OFr difamacion < LL diffamatio

defamation Synonyms

defamation

n.

slander, libel, calumny, vilification; see lie 1.

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

  • Internet: This was the first Internet defamation case involving individuals.
  • group: Detailed discussion of the problems involved in developing a tort of group defamation is outside the scope of this article.

Browse dictionary entries near defamation

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  1. defamatory
  2. defame
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