libel

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Old French libelle, from Latin libellus ("petition").

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[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

Singular
libel

Plural
libels

libel (plural libels)

  1. A written (notably as handbill) or pictorial statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
  2. (uncountable) The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.
    Did Betty Bowers commit libel when she called President Bush a flaming homosexual on her website? [1]

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[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to libel

Third person singular
libels

Simple past
British English libelled or American English libeled

Past participle
[[British English libelled or American English libeled]]

Present participle
British English libelling or American English libeling

to libel (third-person singular simple present libels, present participle British English libelling or American English libeling, simple past and past participle British English libelled or American English libeled)

  1. (transitive) To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
    He libelled her when he published that.

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[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] See also

[edit] Anagrams


[edit] Dutch

[edit] Etymology 1

From Latin libellus, diminutive of liber 'book'

[edit] Noun

libel (plural libellen, diminutive libelletje, diminutive plural libelletjes) f.

  1. booklet, notably as libel
[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Etymology 2

[edit] Noun

libel (plural libellen, diminutive libelletje, diminutive plural libelletjes) f.

  1. dragonfly

[edit] Alternative forms

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] References

  • M. J. Koenen & J. Endepols, Verklarend Handwoordenboek der Nederlandse Taal (tevens Vreemde-woordentolk), Groningen, Wolters-Noordhoff, 1969 (26th edition) [Dutch dictionary in Dutch]