# defamation

/ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃən/ (US) · /dɪfɐmˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defamation
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

harm to someone's reputation caused by false statements. It can happen in writing or in speech.

For teachers: the action of making false statements that damage a person's reputation. A legal term covering both written and spoken falsehoods.

## Examples

- The article was a clear case of defamation.
- She sued the newspaper for defamation after they published false claims about her work.
- Proving defamation requires demonstrating that the false statement was published to a third party and caused measurable harm to the plaintiff's standing.

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