Defamatory

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfæməˌtɔri/

Definitions of defamatory

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'defamatory' describes something that harms someone's reputation.

Example Sentences

A1 She was accused of making defamatory remarks about her coworker.

A2 The article contained defamatory statements about the politician.

B1 The company was sued for publishing defamatory content about a competitor.

B2 The author faced legal action for writing defamatory comments about a public figure.

C1 The journalist was careful not to include any defamatory language in the investigative report.

C2 The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding the defendant's statements to be defamatory.

Examples of defamatory in a Sentence

formal The article published by the journalist contained defamatory remarks about the politician.

informal I heard that the gossip spreading around the office was full of defamatory lies.

slang She was spreading defamatory rumors about him behind his back.

figurative His words were like defamatory arrows, piercing her reputation.

Grammatical Forms of defamatory

• past tense: defamed
• plural: defamatories
• comparative: more defamatory
• superlative: most defamatory
• present tense: defames
• future tense: will defame
• perfect tense: have defamed
• continuous tense: is defaming
• singular: defamatory
• positive degree: defamatory
• infinitive: to defame
• gerund: defaming
• participle: defamed

Origin and Evolution of defamatory

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'defamatory' originated from the Latin word 'defamatorius', which is derived from the verb 'defamare' meaning 'to spread evil report'.

Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe statements that harm someone's reputation, the word 'defamatory' has evolved to encompass a broader range of communication that may harm an individual or entity's character or reputation.