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libel

li·bel [ lb'l ]


noun  (plural li·bels)
Definition:
 
1. defamation: a false and malicious published statement that damages somebody's reputation. Libel can include pictures and any other representations that have public or permanent form.

2. attacking of somebody's reputation: the making of false and damaging statements about somebody

3. written statement: the plaintiff's written statement in a case under admiralty law or in an ecclesiastical court



transitive verb  (past and past participle li·beled, present participle li·bel·ing, 3rd person present singular li·bels)
Definition:
 
1. defame somebody: to publish false and malicious statements about somebody that damage his or her reputation

2. attack somebody verbally: to give a false and damaging account of somebody

3. sue somebody for libel: to bring a suit for libel against somebody under admiralty law or in an ecclesiastical court

[14th century. Via French< Latin libellus "little book" < liber "book"]

li·bel·ant noun
li·bel·ee [ lbə l ] noun
li·bel·er noun
li·bel·ist noun

Word Key: Synonyms

See malign.

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