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Definition of defame

defame

/dɪˈfeɪm/
de · fame
Adverb:defamatorily
•
Adjective:defamatory
•
Past Simple:defamed
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Past Participle:defamed
•
Present Participle:defaming
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defame Lexical Profile

defame Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To damage the good reputation of someone by making false or malicious statements (such as through slander or libel).

Example

"The public official filed a lawsuit against the newspaper, claiming that the article sought to defame his character with fabricated allegations."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for defame

Word Nuance & Usage

'Defame' is the overarching term for damaging someone's reputation through false statements; in legal contexts, it encompasses both 'libel' (written or published defamation) and 'slander' (spoken defamation).

• Rhymes for defame

• Nearby Words

defacer
defamation
defamatory
defame
defamer
defang
default

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'diffamen', borrowed from Old French 'diffamer', from Latin 'diffamare' ('to spread abroad, disgrace'), formed from 'dis-' ('away, apart') and 'fama' ('report, rumor, reputation'). The prefix was later altered in English to 'de-'.

Cite this Entry

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