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slander
/ˈslændər/
false spoken statements that damage reputation
The journalist was sued for slander after publishing false claims about the politician.
This shows how slander can lead to legal consequences when someone spreads harmful lies.
Law
formal
The act of making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation.
The court ruled that the defamatory remarks constituted slander.
This legal case demonstrates how slander is treated under defamation law.
Slander is a form of defamation that involves spoken words, as opposed to libel, which involves written statements.
Collocations
slander someoneto make false spoken statements about someone to harm their reputationslanderous remarksfalse spoken statements intended to damage someone's reputation
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Implications
Slander can result in legal action, so it's important to verify information before making accusations.
Gold Rule
Truth as a Defense
In legal cases, truth can be used as a defense against slander claims.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'slanderen', from Old French 'eslendre', from Latin 'slanderare', meaning 'to slander'.
Usage Notes
Slander specifically refers to spoken false statements, while libel refers to written false statements. Both are forms of defamation.
Word Breakdown
sland
to slander
root-er
one who
suffixEnglish Dictionary