libel

Definition

A published or broadcast false statement that is damaging to a person's or entity's reputation.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'libellus', meaning a little book or pamphlet, which evolved into a legal term for a written defamatory statement.

In the news

The term is used here in the title of an Israeli government booklet to describe accusations that the country characterizes as false and defamatory. It is used to label negative public claims as malicious falsehoods intended to destroy credibility.

Israel and its backers try to save its reputation in the U.S.

Politico

Related words