defamation

Definition

The legal term for trashing someone's reputation through lies, whether spoken (slander) or written (libel). It's when you say false things that damage someone's good name, and they can prove it hurt them in court. Think of it as gossip with consequences—where "allegedly" becomes your best friend and truth is an absolute defense.

Example Usage

The celebrity sued the tabloid for defamation after it published completely fabricated stories about her personal life.

Source: Wiktionary via Free Dictionary API

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