libel
Published false accusation
Libel is a false published statement that damages someone's reputation.
In law, it's distinguished from slander, which is spoken defamation—libel is written or otherwise fixed in permanent form: The newspaper faced a libel suit after printing the allegations.
Loosely, libel describes any unfair public attack on someone's character: That review was pure libel.
Harm another's reputation
- dishonorLoss of respect
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
besmirch · disrepute · infamy · notoriety · shame · disgrace · gossip · rumor
Spoken false defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- smearSpread or defame
- aspersionDefamatory remark
denigration · disparagement · traducement · character assassination · backbiting · mudslinging · scurrility · detraction
Falsely damaging to reputation
- defamatoryHarming someone's good name
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
- malevolentHarboring ill will
intentional · harmful · vicious · reckless disregard · ill will · spite · bad faith · willful
Civil case initiator
- defendantParty facing charges
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- litigationLegal dispute process
- damagesCompensation for injury
verdict · injunction · testimony · deposition · attorney · counsel · jurisdiction · burden of proof
Printed periodical of current events
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- articleWritten piece or grammatical word
- headlineNews article title
- editorOne who revises text
journalist · column · periodical · broadside · pamphlet · press · print · publication
Failure to exercise care
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- tortfeasorOne liable for harm
- injuryPhysical or psychological harm
- compensationPayment for services rendered
remedy · wrongdoing · civil · redress · duty of care · punitive damages · harm · culpability
discredit
Harm another's reputation
tarnish · besmirch · disrepute · infamy · notoriety · shame · disgrace · gossip · rumor · good name
slander
Spoken false defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- smearSpread or defame
aspersion · denigration · disparagement · traducement · character assassination · backbiting · mudslinging · scurrility · detraction · obloquy
slanderous
Falsely damaging to reputation
- defamatoryHarming someone's good name
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
malevolent · intentional · harmful · vicious · reckless disregard · ill will · spite · bad faith · willful · deliberate
plaintiff
Civil case initiator
- defendantParty facing charges
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- litigationLegal dispute process
damages · verdict · injunction · testimony · deposition · attorney · counsel · jurisdiction · burden of proof · malice
newspaper
Printed periodical of current events
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- articleWritten piece or grammatical word
- headlineNews article title
editor · journalist · column · periodical · broadside · pamphlet · press · print · publication · newsprint
negligence
Failure to exercise care
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- tortfeasorOne liable for harm
- injuryPhysical or psychological harm
compensation · remedy · wrongdoing · civil · redress · duty of care · punitive damages · harm · culpability · actionable
- defamationslander, defamation, defamatory statement, defaming, smears
- media ethicsjournalism ethics, media ethics, media bias, journalistic ethics, journalistic integrity
- slanderslander, defamation, calumny, false accusation, character assassination
- vilificationvilification, vilifying, demonizing, demonisation, demonize
- tort lawtort, tort law, negligence, duty of care, breach of duty
- crimesarson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, vandalism
libelpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · acclaim · tribute · eulogy · encomium
libeltruth
Accordance with reality
fact · true statement · documentary evidence · exposé · investigative journalism
- libel caseLawsuit over false publication
- libel lawsLegal protections against false publication
- libel suitLawsuit over damaging falsehoods
- blood libelAntisemitic fabrication about ritual murder
- criminal libelCrime of damaging reputation
libelous, libels, libelled, libelling, libeled, libeler, libeling, libellous