noun
defamation
def-uh-MAY-shun/ˌdefəˈmeɪʃn/
Harm to someone's reputation through false statements.
The worker's false accusation of theft is defamation that damages his colleague's reputation.
Etymology
The prefix probably suggests ruination here: a report or rumor damages someone's good name. The noun shifted from disgrace or ill repute to the unjustified injury of another person's reputation.
In context
liability for defamation, false things that injure reputation, and there should be liability for that.
More examples
- The fabricated story about his business leads to a defamation claim.
- An honest negative review is not defamation.
- Spreading false rumors online can amount to defamation.
Forms
defamation
defame verb — To damage someone's reputation with false statements.
defamatory adjective — Containing false statements that damage someone's reputation.