Libel

Pronunciation

• enPR: līʹbÉ™l, IPA: /ˈlaɪbÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -aɪbÉ™l

Origin

From Old French libelle, from Latin libellus ("petition").

Full definition of libel

Noun

1. A written or pictorial statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
2. (uncountable) The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.
3. Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
4. (law) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
5. A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
• Wyclif Bible (Matthew v. 31)a libel of forsaking divorcement

Synonyms

Verb

1. (transitive) To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.He libelled her when he published that.
• Alexander PopeSome wicked wits have libelled all the fair.
2. (legal) To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Anagrams

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