Dictionary
1slander
transitive verb slan·der \ˈslan-dər\
: to make a false spoken statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
slan·deredslan·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of SLANDER
: to utter slander against : defame
— slan·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of SLANDER
13th century
Related to SLANDER
Synonym Discussion of SLANDER
malign, traduce, asperse, vilify, calumniate, defame, slander mean to injure by speaking ill of. malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying <the most maligned monarch in British history>. traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim <so traduced the governor that he was driven from office>. asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction <both candidates aspersed the other's motives>. vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse <no criminal was more vilified in the press>. calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions <falsely calumniated as a traitor>. defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name <sued them for defaming her reputation>. slander stresses the suffering of the victim <town gossips slandered their good name>.
2slander
noun
: the act of making a false spoken statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
: a false spoken statement that is made to cause people to have a bad opinion of someone
Full Definition of SLANDER
1
: the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation
2
: a false and defamatory oral statement about a person — compare libel
— slan·der·ous \-d(ə-)rəs\ adjective
— slan·der·ous·ly adverb
— slan·der·ous·ness noun
See slander defined for English-language learners
See slander defined for kids
Origin of SLANDER
Middle English sclaundre, slaundre, from Anglo-French esclandre, alteration of escandle, from Late Latin scandalum stumbling block, offense — more at scandal
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to SLANDER
- Synonyms
- aspersing, blackening, calumniation, calumny, character assassination, defamation, defaming, libel, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifying
Other Legal Terms
SLANDERING Defined for Kids
1slander
verb slan·der \ˈslan-dər\
slan·deredslan·der·ing
Definition of SLANDER for Kids
: to make a false and damaging statement against
2slander
noun
Definition of SLANDER for Kids
: a false statement that damages another person's reputation
Learn More About SLANDER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: slanderfulPrevious Word in the Dictionary: SL and CAll Words Near: slander
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up slander? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).