slander

/ˈslændər/

/ˈslɑndə/

Other forms: slanders; slandered; slandering

If your classmate spreads a false rumor that you cheated on the math test, that's slander. Slander is the act of saying an untrue, negative statement about someone.

In law, the word slander is contrasted with libel, which is the act of making a false written statement about someone. The noun slander is from Old French esclandre, escandle, or "scandal," from Late Latin scandalum "stumbling block, offense."

Definitions of slander

1. noun

   words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
   types:

   mud

   slanderous remarks or charges

   type of:

   calumniation, calumny, defamation, hatchet job, obloquy, traducement

   a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions

   speech act

   the use of language to perform some act
2. noun

   an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
   synonyms: aspersion, calumny, defamation, denigration

   type of:

   attack

   strong criticism
3. verb

   charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
   synonyms: asperse, besmirch, calumniate, defame, denigrate, smear, smirch, sully

   types:

   assassinate

   destroy or damage seriously, as of someone's reputation

   libel

   print slanderous statements against

   badmouth, drag through the mud, malign, traduce

   speak unfavorably about

   type of:

   accuse, charge

   blame for, make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against