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Defamation

UK //ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən//US //ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən//

Definition

The action of damaging someone's reputation through false statements.

In simple words: Saying false things that harm someone's reputation.

Examples

  • The article was considered an act of defamation against the celebrity.
  • He filed a lawsuit for defamation after the false claims were made.
  • Defamation can lead to serious legal consequences for the offender.
  • The journalist was accused of defamation due to misleading information in her report.
  • Spreading rumors can be viewed as defamation in many cases.

Usage notes

Used in legal contexts to describe harmful statements. Not commonly used in casual conversation. Be cautious of similar terms like 'slander' and 'libel'.

Grammar pattern

noun

Memory hint

Think of 'defame' as 'de-fame', taking away someone's fame.

Collocations

  • defamation case
  • defamation law
  • defamation suit
  • commit defamation
  • defamation of character

Synonyms

  • slander
  • libel
  • calumny
  • malicious gossip
  • false accusation

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'defective' which means faulty.
  • Mixing up with 'defy', which means to resist or challenge.
  • Using as a verb; 'defamation' is a noun.