libel — a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlaɪbəl/
Example Sentences
- The politician threatened to sue the blogger for libel after reading the harsh review of his fashion sense.
- Social media has blurred the line between criticism and libel in the digital age.
- The restaurant owner claimed the food critic's review was libel, but everyone knew the soup really did taste like dishwater.
libel
NOUN[/ˈlaɪbəl/]
a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation
The tabloid printed libel against the mayor, and lawyers rushed to court.
Lie bell rings out lies — libel spreads and stings!
Tribal leader swears on the bible against libel!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'libellus,' meaning 'little book' or 'pamphlet,' which itself derives from 'liber' (book). The term evolved to mean a written defamatory statement, as such accusations were often published in written form.
Breakdown
Latin 'libellus' (little book) diminutive of 'liber' (book) = libel (written false statement)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The politician threatened to sue the blogger for libel after reading the harsh review of his fashion sense.”
“Social media has blurred the line between criticism and libel in the digital age.”
“The restaurant owner claimed the food critic's review was libel, but everyone knew the soup really did taste like dishwater.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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