Slander
'slændər
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of making a false statement that harms someone's reputation.
'slændər
The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
The newspaper was sued for slander after publishing false allegations.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone telling a mean, untrue story about you that hurts your feelings and makes other people think badly of you. That's like slander!
👶 For kids: Saying something bad about someone that's not true and can hurt their feelings.
More Examples
Spreading rumors is a form of slander.
The politician claimed he was a victim of slander during the campaign.
How It's Used
"The lawsuit was filed against the newspaper for slander."
"Opponents accused each other of slander during the debate."
To speak a false and damaging statement about someone.
'slændər
To make a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
He was accused of slandering his former business partner.
💡 Simply: Imagine gossiping and spreading untrue rumors that hurt someone's good name. That's slandering someone!
👶 For kids: To say something bad about someone that is not true.
More Examples
The gossip columnist was known for slandering celebrities.
They tried to slander the candidate with fabricated stories.
How It's Used
"The lawyer claimed the witness slandered the defendant."
"She slandered her rival in front of the entire office."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
slander suit
A legal case brought against someone for making false and damaging statements.
"He was threatened with a slander suit for his public comments."
From Middle English *sclaundre*, from Old French *escaundre*, *esclandre* ("scandal, offense, disgrace"), from Vulgar Latin *scandalum*, from Ancient Greek *skándalon* ("stumbling block, offense").
The term 'slander' has existed in the English language for centuries, evolving from a term of scandal and public disgrace to a more specific legal term.
Memory tip
Think of a SLITHERING lie that damages someone's reputation.
Word Origin
"From a root related to 'scandal' and 'stumbling block', referring to something that offends or causes damage."