defamations
Reputation-destroying false statements
Defamations are statements that damage someone's reputation—false claims presented as fact that harm how others perceive the person.
The word covers both spoken defamation (slander) and written defamation (libel).
In legal contexts, defamation requires proof that the statements were false, harmful, and made without adequate verification: The lawsuit alleged multiple defamations in the newspaper's coverage.
Printed defamation
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- lawsuitsLegal proceedings seeking remedy
- damagesCompensation for injury
- plaintiffsThose initiating lawsuits
defendants · litigation · torts · judgments · settlements · injunctions · retractions · malice
Defaming attacks or streaks
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- aspersionsDefamatory remarks or accusations
- calumniesDamaging false statements
- vilificationsActs of malicious disparagement
character assassination · mudslinging · tarnishing · besmirching · disparagement · dishonor · disgrace · humiliation
Digital intimidation of others
- trollingProvoking reactions online
- doxingPublishing someone's private information
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- reviewsPublished critical assessments
comments · posts · screenshots · viral · platforms · anonymous · accounts · bots
Sensational gossip newspapers
- headlinesArticle titles in newspapers
- exposésReports uncovering hidden truths
- publicationsWorks issued to readers
- broadcastsTransmissions for public reception
articles · posts · tweets · stories · reports · leaks · journalists · editors
libel
Printed defamation
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- lawsuitsLegal proceedings seeking remedy
- damagesCompensation for injury
plaintiffs · defendants · litigation · torts · judgments · settlements · injunctions · retractions · malice · falsity
smears
Defaming attacks or streaks
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- aspersionsDefamatory remarks or accusations
- calumniesDamaging false statements
vilifications · character assassination · mudslinging · tarnishing · besmirching · disparagement · dishonor · disgrace · humiliation · scandals
cyberbullying
Digital intimidation of others
- trollingProvoking reactions online
- doxingPublishing someone's private information
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
reviews · comments · posts · screenshots · viral · platforms · anonymous · accounts · bots · influencers
tabloids
Sensational gossip newspapers
- headlinesArticle titles in newspapers
- exposésReports uncovering hidden truths
- publicationsWorks issued to readers
broadcasts · articles · posts · tweets · stories · reports · leaks · journalists · editors · publishers
defamationscommendations
Formal expressions of approval
praises · acclamations · eulogies · tributes · endorsements
- written defamationPublished false character attack
- defamation of characterFalse statements harming reputation
- defamation suitLawsuit claiming reputational harm
- defamation lawStatutes protecting personal reputation
- defamation caseLawsuit alleging harmful falsehoods
- online defamationHarmful falsehoods published digitally