# libel

/ˈɫaɪbəɫ/ (US) · /lˈaɪbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/libel
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. written defamation

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a false written statement that is intended to damage a person's reputation.

For teachers: a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation. Uncountable when referring to the legal concept or tort.

- 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').

### 2. to defame in writing

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to write or publish false things about someone to hurt their reputation.

For teachers: to defame someone by publishing a libelous statement. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the person or entity defamed.

- 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.

## Examples

- The actor sued the newspaper for libel after they printed the false story.
- The politician's legal team argued that the article constituted libel because it contained fabricated evidence of corruption.
- In many jurisdictions, proving libel requires the plaintiff to demonstrate not only that the published information was false, but also that it caused tangible harm to their professional standing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.