libel
libel Lexical Profile
libel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A published false statement, image, or broadcast in a permanent medium that damages a person's reputation, or the legal offense of publishing such a statement.
"The public figure sued the tabloid newspaper for libel after it printed fabricated allegations about his finances."
In ecclesiastical, admiralty, or Scottish law, a formal written statement in which a plaintiff sets forth the cause of action and the relief sought.
"The maritime attorneys filed a formal libel in admiralty court to recover damages from the shipping collision."
• verb
To defame someone by publishing a false and malicious statement, picture, or broadcast that damages their reputation.
"The magazine editor was careful to verify every source so that the publication would not inadvertently libel the senator."
To institute a legal suit against a person or property by filing a formal written complaint (especially in admiralty or ecclesiastical court).
"The creditors moved to libel the merchant vessel in port until the outstanding maritime liens were settled."
Word Nuance & Usage
In legal and formal contexts, 'libel' specifically refers to defamation expressed in a fixed or permanent medium (such as print, pictures, or digital text), whereas 'slander' refers to transitory, spoken defamation. Also avoid confusing 'libel' with the adjective 'liable' (legally responsible or likely to do something).
• Rhymes for libel
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Anglo-French from Latin 'libellus' (meaning 'little book, pamphlet, or petition'), a diminutive of 'liber' ('book'). In medieval legal practice, it denoted a formal written plaintiff's statement, before narrowing via the phrase 'famosus libellus' ('defamatory pamphlet') to mean written defamation.