defame — to damage the reputation of someone by making false or unfair statements about them
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to damage the reputation of someone by making false or unfair statements about them
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈfeɪm/
Example Sentences
- My ex tried to defame me by posting fake screenshots of our conversations.
- The politician sued the magazine for attempting to defame her with fabricated stories.
- He thinks posting one-star reviews will defame the restaurant, but everyone knows he's just mad about the slow service.
defame
VERB[/dɪˈfeɪm/]
to damage the reputation of someone by making false or unfair statements about them

The tabloid tried to defame the actress with a fake scandal on its front page.

They defame to shift the blame, leaving only shame!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'defamare', meaning 'to spread evil report about someone'. The word literally meant 'to take away fame' and was used in medieval legal contexts for damaging someone's reputation.
Breakdown
de- (away from/removal) + fama (fame/reputation) + -e (verb ending)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My ex tried to defame me by posting fake screenshots of our conversations.”
“The politician sued the magazine for attempting to defame her with fabricated stories.”
“He thinks posting one-star reviews will defame the restaurant, but everyone knows he's just mad about the slow service.”
“The company was accused of trying to defame its former employee who became a whistleblower.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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