libel
Definitions
A false written or published statement that damages someone's reputation
文字诽谤；诽谤性文字
To damage someone's reputation by a false written or published statement
（以文字）诽谤，中伤
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin libellus, the diminutive of liber (book) = 'a little book' or short pamphlet. A libellus could be a brief written claim; because pamphlets were a favorite weapon for smearing people, the 'little book' came to mean a published, written defamation. So libel is rooted in the idea of a small written document, not in any word for 'lie.'
Root libr still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
- Mostly a legal/journalism term. As a noun it's often uncountable: 'sued for libel.'
- Verb forms: libeled/libelled, libeling/libelling (single l is American, double l British).
- Key pairing — see confusing_words: libel is written/published; slander is spoken.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The actor sued the tabloid for libel over the false story.
- 2.
Publishing those claims could expose the magazine to libel.
- 3.
He claimed the article libeled him and demanded a retraction.
Easily Confused
libel vs slander — Both are defamation (harming a reputation with a false statement), but the medium differs: libel is written or published (newspaper, post, broadcast script); slander is spoken and transient. Quick test: if it's printed or recorded, it's libel; if it's just said aloud, it's slander.