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defameto 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.
💡 Concept

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

They defame to shift the blame, leaving only shame!
🎵 Rhyme

They defame to shift the blame, leaving only shame!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈfeɪm/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈfeɪm/

🌳Etymology

Prefixde--
Rootfam-
Suffix--e

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

fameblameshameclaimname
fame
blame
shame
claim
name

🔗Collocations

defame someone's character
defame publicly
attempt to defame
defame a competitor
defame through social media

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

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

slanderlibelvilifymalignsmear

Antonyms

praisehonoracclaim

Related

reputationcharacterdefamationinfamous

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