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Slander
UK //ˈslændə//US //ˈslændər//
Definition
The action of making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation.
In simple words: Saying false things about someone that hurt their reputation.
Examples
- The accusation was a clear case of slander against her character.
- He sued the newspaper for slander after they published false claims about him.
- Slander can have serious consequences in a person's life and career.
- Friends should not slander each other, especially without proof.
- The lawyer showed evidence that the statements were slanderous.
Usage notes
Used in legal contexts when referring to false statements. Not commonly used in casual conversation. More serious than gossip.
Grammar pattern
slander + object
Memory hint
Think 'slander' sounds like 'lander', and imagine a 'lander' crashing a reputation.
Collocations
- commit slander
- slanderous remarks
- accusations of slander
- legally challenge slander
- slander case
Synonyms
- defamation
- malicious gossip
- character assassination
- libel (spoken)
- calumny
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'libel', which refers to written false statements.
- Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'He slandered' instead of 'He slandered her.'
- Using in non-legal contexts incorrectly.