libel

About 1.78 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
2. noun The act or tort of displaying such a statement publicly.
3. noun Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
4. noun A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.
5. noun A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

   a libel of forsaking [divorcement]

6. verb To defame (someone), especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.

   He libelled her when he published that.

7. verb To proceed against (goods, a ship, etc.) by filing a legal claim.

Similar words

defamation slander calumny vilification defame slur contempt insult denigration throwing

Often followed by

and suit on in action or against suits is

Word family

libeled libeler libelers libeling libelist libelists libelled libelling libels