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defamation

Defamation (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃn/

What does defamation mean?

The act of making false and damaging statements about someone, with the intent to harm their reputation or character.
"He sued the tabloid newspaper for defamation of character."

Detailed Meaning of Defamation

It is characterized by malicious and false statements, which are made with the intent to deceive or harm the person being spoken about. Defamation can be both spoken (slander) or written (libel) and can include statements that are made in public or private. An example of a sentence using the word defamation would be "The company filed a lawsuit for defamation after the rival company spread false rumors about their products."

Example Sentences for Defamation

1. Spreading false rumors about someone can be considered defamation.
2. The celebrity filed a lawsuit against the tabloid for defamation of character.
3. The politician's reputation was tarnished due to a malicious defamation campaign.
4. Social media has become a breeding ground for online defamation.
5. The company faced a defamation lawsuit after a false statement was published about their product.
6. Defamation can cause significant harm to a person's personal and professional life.

Origin and Etymology of Defamation

The noun 'defamation' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'defamatio,' which is a combination of 'de-' (down from) and 'fama' (reputation or fame). In English, 'defamation' refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, with the intent to harm their reputation or character. It encompasses both written (libel) and spoken (slander) forms of communication that result in harm to an individual's or entity's reputation. 'Defamation' is a legal concept that underscores the importance of protecting one's good name and character from unjustified attacks, and it is often the basis for legal actions seeking compensation for the harm caused by false statements.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun defamation:

slander

praise

flattery

commendation

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Defamation

1. The journalist was accused of engaging in defamation by publishing unverified information.
2. The victim sought legal recourse for the defamation they experienced.
3. The organization issued a public apology for the unintentional defamation of an individual.
4. Defamation laws aim to protect individuals from false and damaging statements.
5. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding them damages for defamation.
6. The public figure's career suffered due to a series of defamatory articles in the media.
7. It is essential to distinguish between freedom of speech and malicious defamation.
8. The company's reputation management team worked to combat the effects of the defamation.
9. The online forum implemented stricter moderation policies to prevent defamation.
10. The artist faced relentless defamation from critics, but their work continued to resonate with audiences.
11. The victim's legal team presented evidence to prove the defamation was intentional and harmful.
12. Defamation can have long-lasting consequences, even after the false statements are retracted.
13. The public figure's reputation was repaired after successfully winning a defamation case.
14. The journalist faced professional repercussions for engaging in unethical defamation practices.