libel

noun
UK: /ˈlaɪ.bəl/
US: /ˈlaɪ.bəl/

  1. A piece of writing that contains bad and false things about a person.

    1. The newspaper printed a libel about the mayor.
    2. He sued the magazine for libel after they published false accusations.

  2. The act of publishing a false statement that harms someone's reputation.

    1. The article was clear libel and caused him great distress.
    2. The company threatened to sue the blogger for online libel and defamation.

Synonyms

slander defamation calumny
libel verb

  1. To write or publish something that contains false and damaging statements about a person.

    1. He libeled his former business partner.
    2. The newspaper was accused of libeling the actress in its latest issue.
libel adjective

  1. Relating to or containing libel; defamatory.

    1. The comments were libel.
    2. The judge determined the statement was libel and instructed the jury.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "libel" in English means: A piece of writing that contains bad and false things about a person., The act of publishing a false statement that harms someone's reputation..

The phonetic transcription of "libel" is /ˈlaɪ.bəl/ in British English and /ˈlaɪ.bəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "libel": slander, defamation, calumny.

Example usage of "libel": "The newspaper printed a libel about the mayor.". More examples on the page.