Libel Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlɪbəl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A libel is a written or published false statement that damages a person’s reputation. It is a form of defamation, which is a false and malicious statement that harms someone’s reputation.

Examples

1. “The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing a false article about the politician.”

2. “She was accused of libel for posting a hurtful comment about her ex-boyfriend on social media.”

Synonyms

1. Defamation

2. Slander

Antonyms

1. Praise

2. Commendation

Etymology

The word “libel” comes from the Latin “libellus,” which means “little book.” In the 14th century, the term referred to a written work or a lawsuit. Over time, its meaning expanded to include false and malicious statements that harm someone’s reputation.

Usage Notes

Libel can be used in various contexts, such as in law, journalism, and online content. It is essential to understand the difference between libel and slander, as libel is a written statement, while slander is a spoken one.

When using the word “libel,” it’s crucial to ensure the accuracy of the information to avoid libeling someone unfairly.

Cultural References

Libel has been a topic of discussion in literature and media, with notable examples including:

• The film “The Story of Libel” (1959), which tells the story of a writer who is sued for libel.
• The novel “The Death of the Author” (1967) by Roland Barthes, which explores the concept of libel in relation to literature.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “libel” are:

• “Suing for libel”
• “Libelous statement”
• “Defamatory content”

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases to “libel” include:

• Defamation
• Slander
• Harassment
• Intimidation

Collocations

Some common word combinations with “libel” are:

• Libel suit
• Libelous content
• Libel lawyer
• Libelous statement

Frequency of Use

Libel is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is becoming more frequently used due to the increasing importance of online content and the need for accurate information.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “libel” include:

• liball
• libiel
• libil
• libpel