libel

Definition

A published or written 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 'petition'. In medieval legal practice, it referred to a written formal charge, eventually evolving into the modern sense of a written statement that harms someone's character.

In the news

The term appears in the website's terms of use policy, which prohibits users from posting comments that constitute libel. It is included to ensure that public discourse remains civil and avoids legally actionable defamation.

Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa defends Israel: 'A cultural boycott is like fighting the rain'

Ynetnews

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