CEFR C1

libel

noun

Meaning

A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a defamatory article or book.

Examples

The celebrity threatened to sue the tabloid for libel.
It is difficult to prove libel in court if the statements were true.

Synonyms: defamation, slander, calumny, disparagement

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libel (C1)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪbəl/

Definition

A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a defamatory article or book.

Examples

The celebrity threatened to sue the tabloid for libel.
It is difficult to prove libel in court if the statements were true.
The article was a clear case of libel, containing numerous falsehoods.

How to Use libel

libel against (prepositional phrase): A false and damaging statement made about someone. — "The report contained serious libel against the company's CEO."
sue for libel (collocation): To take legal action against someone for publishing a damaging false statement. — "He threatened to sue for libel if the false story was not retracted."

Synonyms of libel

Words with a similar meaning to libel:

Antonyms of libel

Words with the opposite meaning to libel:

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