# slander

/ˈsɫændɝ/ (US) · /slˈɑːndɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. false spoken statement

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a false spoken statement that is intended to damage someone's reputation.

For teachers: the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. It is distinct from libel, which refers to written defamation.

- The politician claimed that the accusations were nothing but lies and slander.
- The plaintiff alleged that the defendant's oral remarks during the broadcast constituted actionable slander that resulted in significant financial loss.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in legal contexts, but can be countable when referring to specific statements.

### 2. exaggerated criticism

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

strong or funny criticism of a person, movie, or team, often used online.

For teachers: vehement, often hyperbolic or humorous criticism directed at a specific character, franchise, or public figure, particularly in digital spaces.

- I won't tolerate any slander against my favorite movie.
- The social media thread was filled with harmless slander about the team's recent performance, though most fans were just joking.

Teaching tip: In modern internet slang, this word is used much more lightly than its legal definition and often implies a playful bias.

## Examples

- He sued the politician for slander after the radio interview.
- The company filed a lawsuit for slander, claiming the former employee's public accusations were entirely fabricated to damage their stock price.
- In many jurisdictions, proving slander requires the plaintiff to demonstrate not only that the statement was false, but also that it resulted in actual financial or social harm.

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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.