Word
libel
Phoneticsli·bel, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪbəɫ/
UK/lˈaɪbəl/
US spelling · libeled, libeling
Definitions
01written defamation
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. a false written statement that is intended to damage a person's reputation.
n. a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation. Uncountable when referring to the legal concept or tort.
日本語:名誉毀損※
Español:libelo
“The politician sued the newspaper for libel after they printed the false story.”
“The jury awarded significant damages to the plaintiff, concluding that the magazine article constituted a clear case of libel.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the area of law (e.g., 'an expert in libel').
Pitfall
He was sued for libel because of what he said on the radio.
He was sued for slander because of what he said on the radio.
Libel refers to written or permanent defamation; slander refers to spoken or temporary defamation.
Synonyms
02to defame in writing
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
v. to write or publish false things about someone to hurt their reputation.
v. to defame someone by publishing a libelous statement. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the person or entity defamed.
Español:libelar (desus.)
“The actress claimed the tabloid had libeled her in their latest issue.”
“The court had to determine whether the blogger intended to libel the company or was simply expressing a protected opinion.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a person or organization as its object.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Archer resigned his party post and sued the Star for libel.” “Trump denied the Journal’s report and sued the newspaper for libel.” Etymology
From Middle English libel, from Old French libelle, from Latin libellus (“petition”, literally “booklet”). Doublet of libelle.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. libel chill
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/libel
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0