defamation

noun

def·​a·​ma·​tion ˌde-fə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce defamation (audio)
law
: the act of communicating false statements about a person that injure the reputation of that person : the act of defaming another : calumny
defamation of character
a defamation lawsuit
defamatory adjective

Did you know?

Harming someone's reputation in speech with falsehoods is known as slander, and doing the same thing in writing is known as libel (which sometimes includes speech as well). Any ordinary citizen who can claim to have suffered harm as a result of such defamation may sue. So why aren't politicians suing all the time? Because an exception is made for "public persons" (a category that includes most other celebrities as well), who must also prove that any such statement was made with "reckless disregard for the truth". And although, even by that standard, public persons are defamed all the time, most of them have decided that it's better to just grin and bear it.

Examples of defamation in a Sentence

The article was full of lies and defamations. accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character
Recent Examples on the Web Once again, Jones lost and was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion, representing the largest penalty in a defamation case in U.S. history. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 Trump will need such a bond to block enforcement of the $83.3 million judgment in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 8 Mar. 2024 He also was ordered to pay $83.3 million in a defamation case brought by the writer Jean Carroll, and $453.5 million including interest in a business fraud case. USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Trump appears to be struggling to line up a bond in the defamation case as well. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 29 Feb. 2024 In addition to the fraud ruling, Trump has also been ordered to pay $83.3 million in a separate defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. Alison Durkee, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Russell Simmons sued for defamation by former Def Jam executive. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 Topline The New York judge who oversaw E. Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump rejected the former president’s request to delay paying Carroll more than $80 million in damages, according to a Sunday court filing. Ana Faguy, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 But the judge hearing Hill’s countersuit never would have had occasion to make his ruling had Bauer’s defamation suit not triggered the countersuit, which was settled without a trial. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defamation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see defame

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defamation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near defamation

Cite this Entry

“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defamation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

defamation

noun
de·​fa·​ma·​tion ˌde-fə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce defamation (audio)
1
: communication to third parties of false statements about a person that injure the reputation of or deter others from associating with that person see also libel, slander, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan compare disparagement, false light, slander of title
2
: a defamatory communication
every repetition of the defamation is a publicationW. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton

More from Merriam-Webster on defamation

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