Defamatory Meaning in English

word

US

dɪˈfæməˌtɔɹi

di-FAM-uh-tor-ee

UK

dɪfˈæmətəɹˌi

di-FAM-uh-tuh-ree

Definition

Describes speech or writing that damages someone's reputation by making false or harmful statements about them.

Usage & Nuances

Used in formal, legal, and journalistic contexts. Common collocations: 'defamatory statement', 'defamatory article', 'defamatory remarks'. Often associated with lawsuits and claims of libel or slander. Not used for minor insults.

• Spanish: difamatorio
• Portuguese (BR): difamatório
• Portuguese (PT): difamatório
• Chinese (Simplified): 诽谤的
• Chinese (Traditional): 誹謗的
• Hindi: मानहानिकारक
• Arabic: تشهيري
• Bengali: মানহানিকর - অপবাদমূলক
• Russian: клеветнический - порочащий
• Japanese: 名誉毀損の - 中傷的な
• Vietnamese: phỉ báng - bôi nhọ
• Korean: 명예를 훼손하는 - 비방하는
• Turkish: iftira niteliğinde - karalayıcı
• Urdu: توہین آمیز - بدنام کرنے والا
• Indonesian: fitnah - pencemaran nama baik

Example Sentences

He sued the newspaper for publishing defamatory comments.

basic

Making defamatory statements can get you in trouble.

basic

The article contained defamatory information about a celebrity.

basic

Her lawyer warned that any defamatory remarks would not be ignored.

natural

Spreading defamatory rumors online can lead to legal action.

natural

That tweet was borderline defamatory and could result in a lawsuit.

natural