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defame
/dɪˈfeɪm/
What does "defame" mean in English?
damage someone's reputationThe journalist was sued for defaming the politician.
The journalist was sued for damaging the politician's reputation.
How to use "defame" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
Law
formal
To make false or damaging statements about someone's character or reputation, typically in public.
The court ruled that the article defamed the CEO by falsely accusing him of fraud.
The court ruled that the article damaged the CEO's reputation by falsely accusing him of fraud.
She threatened to sue for defamation if the rumors continued.
She threatened to sue for defamation if the false rumors about her continued.
In legal contexts, defamation can be either libel (written) or slander (spoken).
Collocations
defame someone's characterdamage someone's reputationdefamation lawsuita legal case over false statements damaging reputation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Context
'Defame' is often used in legal contexts, particularly in cases involving libel or slander.
Gold Rule
Intentional Harm
Defamation typically involves intentional harm to someone's reputation through false statements.
Word Origin
From Middle English *defamen*, from Latin *diffamare* ('to spread abroad, defame'), from *dis-* ('apart') + *famare* ('to speak').
Usage Notes
The verb 'defame' is often used in legal contexts, particularly in cases involving libel or slander. It implies intentional harm to someone's reputation through false statements.
Word Breakdown
de-
apart, away
prefix-fame
reputation, renown
rootEnglish Dictionary