libel

/lˈa‍ɪbə‍l/

/ˈɫaɪbəɫ/

Libel

a published false statement that damages a person's reputation

the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks

to libel

MAIN VERB

print slanderous statements against

Examples

1. When the journalist exposed the corrupt practices of the politician, he was sued for libel.

2. These are libels.

3. The actor filed a libel suit against the paper.

4. President Nixon's good friend Bebe Rebozo was a libel plaintiff.