defamatory statements
Reputation-harming falsehoods
Defamatory statements are false claims that damage someone's reputation.
The phrase appears most often in legal contexts, where defamation requires proving the statement was false, published to others, and caused harm: The lawsuit alleged defamatory statements in the newspaper article.
Written defamation is libel; spoken is slander.
- false accusationsUntrue claims of wrongdoing
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- libelPrinted defamation
- written wordLanguage in visible form
- character assassinationDestroying someone's good name
hurt feelings · slander · spoken word · distrust · malice · ostracism · reputational harm · lawsuits · court of law · damages · retraction · stigma · malicious gossip · tabloid journalism · alienation · liability · tort · anxiety
defamatory statementspraise
Expression of approval
commendation · endorsement · tribute · accolades · compliments
defamatory statementsfair comment
Legal defense for criticism
protected speech · privileged communication · balanced reporting · constructive criticism · responsible journalism
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