Defamation
/ˌdefəˈmeɪʃən/
nounC1
Definition
Defamation means making a false statement about someone that causes others to think badly of that person. It can happen in speech or writing and often causes damage to the person's reputation or how others see them.
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⚡ See It in Action
False spoken or written statement harming a person's reputation
- •The newspaper was sued for defamation after publishing false accusations.
- •He claimed defamation when someone spread untrue stories about his business.
- •Defamation can lead to legal consequences if the false statement damages someone's life.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "defamation" like "lie," but a lie that hurts someone's good name or reputation
- ✓Picture someone spreading a rumor that is not true and makes others stop trusting or liking a person
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear something bad about yourself that isn't true and makes you sad or angry
- ✓Sounds like "defame" + "shun" → Imagine someone saying "defame" (to say bad things) and others "shun" (avoid) the person because of it
- ✓Think of stories where a character is wrongly accused and their friends stop trusting them because of false talk
- ✓NOT like "criticism" (which can be true and fair), defamation is always about false or untrue statements
- ✓NOT like "gossip" (which can be true or false), defamation specifically means false information that harms reputation
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Slander: false spoken statements that harm reputation (Use when the defamation is spoken, not written)
- •Libel: false written statements that harm reputation (Use when the defamation is written or published)
- •False accusation: claim that is not true (Use in general when emphasizing the untrue nature of the statement)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "de-" (down, away) + "fame" (reputation, good name) + "-ation" (noun suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "defamare," meaning "to damage someone's reputation"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to describe harming someone's good name by false statements
- •Modern usage: Used especially in law and media to describe harmful false statements that can lead to lawsuits
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How can defamation affect a person's life beyond just their reputation?
•What are some ways people can protect themselves from defamation in everyday life?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Defamation happens when someone spreads false information that ___ a person's reputation.
2.If a statement is true, it is not considered defamation because it does not ___ harm.
3.Spoken defamation is called slander, while written defamation is known as ___.
4.People who suffer from defamation often feel ___ and want to clear their name.
5.Defamation can cause someone to lose their job or friends because others ___ the false statements.
6.To prove defamation, a person usually needs to show that the statement was ___ and damaging.
7.Defamation laws exist to protect people from ___ false accusations that hurt their lives.