slander Definition
- 1the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation
- 2a false and malicious spoken statement
Using slander: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "slander" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was found guilty of slander for spreading rumors about his colleague.
Example
She sued the newspaper for slander after they published false information about her.
Example
The politician accused his opponent of slander during the debate.
Example
The company threatened to sue the blogger for slander if he didn't retract his statements.
slander Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for slander
- defamation
- libel
- smear
- calumny
- vilification
Antonyms for slander
Idioms Using slander
a phrase used to convey that verbal insults or abuse should not be taken to heart
Example
I try to remember that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me when someone says something mean.
to treat someone in the same negative way that they have treated others
Example
After years of spreading rumors about her coworkers, she finally got a taste of her own medicine when someone started spreading rumors about her.
Example
The candidate's opponents tried to throw mud at him by spreading rumors and lies about his personal life.
Phrases with slander
a coordinated effort to spread false and damaging information about a person or group
Example
The candidate's opponents launched a slander campaign against him, spreading rumors and lies to damage his reputation.
slander suit
a legal action taken by someone who has been the victim of slander to seek damages or a retraction
Example
The actress filed a slander suit against the tabloid that printed false stories about her personal life.
Example
The journalist was careful to avoid any statements that could be considered slander under the country's strict slander laws.
Origins of slander
from Old French 'esclandre', from Latin 'scandalum', meaning 'stumbling block, offense'
Summary: slander in Brief
The term 'slander' [ˈslændər] refers to the act of making a false spoken statement that damages a person's reputation. It is often used in legal contexts, as in 'The actress filed a slander suit against the tabloid that printed false stories about her personal life.' 'Slander' is also found in idioms like 'sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never hurt me),' which conveys that verbal insults should not be taken to heart.
