WorldAugust 21, 2026

defamed

dee-FAYMD

Definition

To have damaged the good reputation of someone by making a false, harmful public statement.

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'defamer,' which originated from the Latin 'diffamare,' meaning to spread abroad or to take away someone's good name (fama).

In the news

The article reports that an Alabama jury found The New York Times defamed college basketball player Kai Spears by incorrectly linking him to a fatal shooting. This ruling serves as the legal basis for the $9.25 million in damages awarded to him.

Jury Says The New York Times Defamed Alabama Basketball Player With Incorrect Story About Shooting

Read the full article ↗

First Amendment Watch

Related words

abortionists

Medical professionals or practitioners who perform abortion procedures.

World

abridging

Diminishing, curtailing, or restricting a right or freedom.

World

amulets

Small ornaments or pieces of jewelry believed to provide protection against danger or…

World

chaplet

A string of beads used for counting prayers, or a specific set of prayers recited while…

World

concelebrated

To perform a Mass or religious service where multiple priests or bishops participate in…

World

delegalise

To declare something to be against the law or to remove the legal status or recognition…

World

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.