Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪ.bəl/

Definitions of libel

noun a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation

Example Sentences

A1 Libel is when someone writes something untrue about you.

A2 She was accused of libel after spreading false rumors about her coworker.

B1 The celebrity sued the magazine for libel after they published a defamatory article about him.

B2 The politician's reputation was tarnished by the libelous statements made by his opponent during the election campaign.

C1 The company filed a lawsuit for libel against the competitor for spreading false information about their products.

C2 The author was found guilty of libel for including defamatory statements about a public figure in his book.

verb to publish a libel against someone

Example Sentences

A1 She libeled her former boss by spreading false rumors about him.

A2 The newspaper was sued for libeling a local politician in their article.

B1 It is important to be cautious about what you say online to avoid accidentally libeling someone.

B2 The celebrity decided to sue the tabloid for libel after they published untrue stories about him.

C1 The company faced a libel lawsuit after making false claims about their competitor in their advertising campaign.

C2 The author was accused of libeling several public figures in their latest book, leading to a high-profile legal battle.

Examples of libel in a Sentence

formal The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false information about the politician.

informal I can't believe she's spreading libelous rumors about her ex-boyfriend!

slang Don't listen to him, he's just spouting libel to make himself look better.

figurative Her words were like a weapon, cutting through his reputation like a sharp blade of libel.

Grammatical Forms of libel

past tense

libeled

plural

libels

comparative

more libelous

superlative

most libelous

present tense

libels

future tense

will libel

perfect tense

have libeled

continuous tense

is libeling

singular

libel

positive degree

libel

infinitive

to libel

gerund

libeling

participle

libeled

Origin and Evolution of libel

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'libel' originated from the Latin word 'libellus', which means 'little book' or 'a formal document'. It was used in Roman law to refer to a written accusation or statement.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'libel' evolved to refer to a written statement that defames someone's character or reputation. It is now commonly used in the legal context to describe a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation.