Definition of defame
transitive verb. 1 law : to harm the reputation of by communicating false statements about : to harm the reputation of by libel (see libel entry 1 sense 2a) or slander (see slander entry 2 sense 2) defamed her character. 2 archaic : accuse defamed of witchcraft. 3 archaic : disgrace.
Accordingly, can you defame a thing?
Written defamation is called “libel,” while spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” (a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong). A person who has been defamed can sue the person who did the defaming for damages.
Moreover, is defame an adjective?
containing defamation; injurious to reputation; slanderous or libelous: She claimed that the article in the magazine was defamatory.
Is there a word defamed?
verb (used with object), de·famed, de·fam·ing. to attack the good name or reputation of, as by uttering or publishing maliciously or falsely anything injurious; slander or libel; calumniate: The newspaper editorial defamed the politician.
What are the 5 elements of slander?
In order to prove a libel or slander claim, the employee must prove: (1) false communication; (2) unprivileged statement of fact (not opinion); (3) it was made about the plaintiff; (4) published to a third party; and (5) caused damage to the plaintiff.
What does dont defame mean?
The de- in defame means “remove.” So if someone tries to defame a person, fame — or a good reputation — is taken away. Celebrities protect themselves from those who want to defame them, arming themselves with lawyers.
What does it mean to villainize someone?
To villainize someone is to speak about them negatively or portray them in a negative way, especially to influence others to see them as a bad person.
What is a sentence for deference?
Deference sentence example. Taran bowed his head in deference to his master. It is one of absolute loyalty and deference , as to the teaching of inspiration. Kiera stood aside, not as much out of deference but out of sudden realization that if she didn’t, the man was likely to run her over.
What is another word for defamed?
Some common synonyms of defame are asperse, calumniate, malign, slander, traduce, and vilify.
What is defamation and examples?
Defamation is a false statement presented as a fact that causes injury or damage to the character of the person it is about. An example is “Tom Smith stole money from his employer.” If this is untrue and if making the statement damages Tom’s reputation or ability to work, it is defamation.
What is defamation suit in India?
Any false and unprivileged statement published or spoken deliberately, intentionally, knowingly with the intention to damage someone’s reputation is defamation. A man’s reputation is treated as his property and such damage are punishable by law.
What’s a word for trying to make someone look bad?
smear. verb. to try to damage someone’s reputation by telling lies about them.