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Definition of defamatory

defamatory

/dɪˈfæm.ə.tɔːr.i/
de · fam · a · to · ry
Adverb:defamatorily
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defamatory Lexical Profile

defamatory Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Damaging the good reputation of someone through false and malicious statements; slanderous or libelous.

Example

"The newspaper was forced to issue a public retraction after publishing defamatory allegations against the senator."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for defamatory
Antonyms
View all antonyms for defamatory

Word Nuance & Usage

In legal contexts, 'defamatory' is the broad umbrella term covering both written falsehoods ('libelous') and spoken falsehoods ('slanderous').

• Rhymes for defamatory

• Nearby Words

defacement
defacer
defamation
defamatory
defame
defamer
defang

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'diffamatoire' and Medieval Latin 'diffamatorius', ultimately deriving from Latin 'diffamare' (to spread an evil report), from 'dis-' (away) and 'fama' (rumor, reputation).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Defamatory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/defamatory
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