libel

The definition of libel is a written and published false statement about someone that damages their reputation.

(noun)

An example of libel is when someone publishes in the newspaper that you are a thief, even though this is false.

To libel is defined as to make and publish a false and malicious statement about someone in writing that damages the person's reputation.

(verb)

When you write an article in the newspaper about someone being a thief, even though it is not true, this is an example of libel.

See libel in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any false and malicious written or printed statement, or any sign, picture, or effigy, tending to expose a person to public ridicule, hatred, or contempt or to injure a person's reputation in any way
the act of publishing or displaying publicly such a thing
anything that gives an unflattering or damaging picture of the subject with which it is dealing
in ecclesiastical law and formerly in maritime law, a written statement containing the plaintiff's grievances; initial pleading

Origin: ME, little book < OFr < L libellus, little book, writing, lampoon, dim. of liber, a book: see library

See libel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation.
b. The act of presenting such material to the public.
The written claims presented by a plaintiff in an action at admiralty law or to an ecclesiastical court.

transitive verb li·beled or li·belled, li·bel·ing or li·bel·ling, li·bels

To publish a libel about (a person). See Synonyms at malign.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, litigant's written complaint

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin libellus

Origin: , diminutive of liber, book

Related Forms: