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libel - What does it mean?

Definition of 'libel'

English

Noun

(en-noun)
  • A written or pictorial statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
  • (uncountable) The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.
  • Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
  • (law) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
  • A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
  • (Chaucer)
  • * Wyclif Bible (Matthew v. 31)
  • a libel of forsaking [divorcement]

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Verb

  • To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
  • He libelled her when he published that.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • Some wicked wits have libelled all the fair.
  • (legal) To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * blood libel * libelant * libel chill (rel-mid3) * libelee * libeler * libelist (rel-mid3) * libelous (rel-bottom)

    See also

    * defamation * defame * slander

    Anagrams

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