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libel
noun [C or U] /ˈlaɪ.bəl/Definition
› a piece of writing that contains bad and false things about a person: She threatened to sue the magazine for libel. → Compare slander nounDamaging reputationDisapproving and criticizing libel
verb [T] (plural -ll- or US usually -l-) libellous (US usually libelous)
/-əs/ adjective › libellous accusationsDamaging reputationDisapproving and criticizing
(Definition of libel noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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SMART Thesaurus: Damaging reputation
Synonyms and related words:
- besmirch verb
- black mark noun
- blacken verb (SPOIL)
- blot your copybook idiom
- calumny noun
- drag sb's name through the mire/mud idiom
- give a dog a bad name idiom
- hurl/throw/sling mud at sb idiom
- impugn verb
- mudslinging noun
- show someone in a bad light idiom
- slander noun
- slander verb
- slur noun (CRITICISM)
- slur verb (CRITICIZE)
- smear noun (ACCUSING)
- smear verb (ACCUSE)
- stab noun
- sully verb
- vilify verb
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