English noun: libel | |||
1. | libel (communication) a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person | ||
Broader (hypernym) | calumniation, calumny, defamation, hatchet job, obloquy, traducement | ||
Domain category | civil wrong, jurisprudence, law, tort | ||
2. | libel (communication) the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks | ||
Broader (hypernym) | complaint | ||
Domain category | jurisprudence, law | ||
English verb: libel | |||
1. | libel (communication) print slanderous statements against | ||
Samples | The newspaper was accused of libeling him. | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | asperse, besmirch, calumniate, defame, denigrate, slander, smear, smirch, sully | ||