defamation

defamation

[def′əmā′shən]

Etymology: L, diffamare, to discredit

any communication, written or spoken, that is untrue and that injures the good name or reputation of another or that in any way brings that person into disrepute.

defamation

(dĕf″ă-mā′shŭn)

In law, an act of communication that is a quasi-intentional tort (civil wrong) that occurs when one person communicates false information to another person that injures or harms a third person who, as a result, is shamed, held in contempt, ridiculed, loses status or reputation in the community, or experiences loss of employment or of earnings. Oral defamation is slander. Written defamation is libel.