Vocabulary in context
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Defame
To damage or ruin someone's reputation by making false statements or presenting them in a harmful way; to slander.
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Imagine This
Imagine a gossip magazine printing a story that a local teacher stole from a store. The article contains unverified claims and makes the teacher look guilty, causing students and parents to shun them—defaming the teacher before any truth is known.
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Sounds Like
dih-FAYM
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Looks Like
de-fame (looks like 'de' + 'fame')
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Remember This
Defamation requires false statements; if a claim is true, it is not defamation. Distinguish defaming (verb) from defamation (noun) and defamatory (adjective).
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Other Forms
defamationnoun
defamatoryadjective
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Connect With
Malign; Vilify
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Note
Be careful not to mistake criticism or opinions for defamation; defamation involves false statements of fact that harm a person’s reputation. In law, libel is written defamation and slander is spoken defamation.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The magazine was sued for defaming the actor with a false report of misconduct.
- He claimed the online post defamed him by accusing him of theft without evidence.
Synonyms
slanderlibelcalumniatesmearvilify
Antonyms
praiseexoneratecommend
Etymology
From Latin de-, meaning away or down + fame (reputation or rumor); defamare originally meant to take away someone's good name.
Mnemonic
De-FAME: take away someone's fame or reputation.
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Incidental
adjectiveHappening as a minor or accompanying part; not essential to the main purpose, or arising as a secondary consequence or accessory.
Juncture
nounThe point at which two things join or connect; a critical or decisive moment.
Prosper
verbto be successful or thriving, especially financially; to flourish or gain wealth, health, or influence.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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