libel
libel
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "libel" is:
ˈlaɪ.bəl
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈlaɪ
/l/ - voiced alveolar lateral approximant
/aɪ/ - diphthong, starting with a sound like the "a" in "cat" and moving towards the "i" in "see"
bəl
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/əl/ - syllabic /l/ sound, similar to the final sound in "bottle"
Word Form Variations
The word "libel" doesn't have plural or other variations in the way typical nouns do. It primarily functions as a singular noun referring to a specific act of defamation.
However, it can also be used as a verb, in which case it can take on different forms:
Verb forms:
Libel (present tense)
Libeling (present participle)
Libeled (past tense)
Libeled (past participle)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A false statement that damages someone's reputation.
Synonyms: defamation, calumny, slander (spoken defamation), character assassination
Antonyms: praise, compliment, flattery
Verb
Definition: To publish a false statement that damages someone's reputation.
Synonyms: defame, slander, calumniate
Antonyms: praise, extol, commend
Examples of Use
General Public Discourse
Newspapers: "The tabloid newspaper was sued for libel after publishing a false story about the celebrity."
Online Publications: "The blogger's harsh criticism of the politician, while strongly worded, did not cross the line into libel." (Source: The New York Times)
Social Media: "That tweet is libelous! It's completely false and damaging to their reputation."
Entertainment Media
Movies: In the movie "The Post," the Washington Post faces a potential libel lawsuit for publishing the Pentagon Papers.
Television: A character on a legal drama might be accused of libeling a rival attorney.
Books: In a fictional courtroom drama, a character might be defending a client accused of libeling a public figure.
Legal Cases
Celebrity Lawsuits: Many high-profile celebrities have sued tabloids and other media outlets for libel, such as Johnny Depp's case against The Sun newspaper.
Political Figure Lawsuits: Politicians have also sued for libel, particularly when false accusations are made about their character or conduct.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Libel
“An injurious lie is an uncommendable thing; and so, also, and in the same degree, is an injurious truth—a fact that is recognized by the law of libel.” — Mark Twain Twain highlights how even truthful statements can be harmful and subject to libel laws when they cause unjust injury.
“A man is angry at a libel because it is false, but at a satire because it is true.” — G.K. Chesterton Chesterton contrasts the reactions to libel and satire, suggesting that satire's sting lies in its truth.
“Journalists who make mistakes get sued for libel; historians who make mistakes get to publish a revised edition.” — Bill Moyers Moyers humorously points out the differing consequences of errors in journalism versus historical writing.
“Too many of us look upon Americans as dollar chasers. This is a cruel libel, even if it is reiterated thoughtlessly by the Americans themselves.” — Albert Einstein Einstein criticizes the stereotype of Americans being solely driven by money, labeling it a harmful libel.
“Political truth is libel; religious truth, blasphemy.” — William Hazlitt Hazlitt reflects on how speaking truths in politics and religion can be met with accusations of libel and blasphemy, respectively.
“All the libel lawyers will tell you there's no libel any more, that everyone's given up.” — Ian Hislop Hislop comments on the perceived decline in libel litigation, suggesting a shift in legal or societal attitudes.
“Banning guns because of their misuse is like banning the First Amendment because one might libel or slander.” — Ron Paul Paul draws an analogy between gun rights and free speech, arguing against restrictions based on potential misuse.
“The Bible urges us to be respectful to all people, especially people with whom we have disagreements, to never libel people, to never label people.” — Max Lucado Lucado emphasizes the importance of respect and cautions against libeling or labeling others, even amidst disagreements.
“If you call your opponent a politician, it's grounds for libel.” — Mark Russell Russell humorously suggests that labeling someone a politician could be considered defamatory.
“Every man knows that slavery is a curse. Whoever denies this, his lips libel his heart.” — Theodore Dwight Weld Weld asserts that denying the evil of slavery is self-deceptive, equating such denial to a personal libel.
Etymology
The word "libel" has a long history. It comes from the Latin word "libellus," which meant "little book." Over time, this word evolved to mean a written statement that harms someone's reputation. The first known use of "libel" in this sense was in the 16th century.
So, the next time you hear someone accuse someone else of libel, remember that the word comes from a time when books were precious and words had the power to hurt.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Libel
Due to its legal nature, "libel" isn't typically used in common idioms or phrases. However, we can explore some related phrases and idioms that convey similar meanings:
To drag someone's name through the mud: This idiom means to publicly criticize or insult someone, damaging their reputation.
To throw mud at someone: Similar to the above, this means to make false accusations or criticisms against someone.
To smear campaign: This refers to a deliberate attempt to damage someone's reputation, often used in political contexts.
To besmirch someone's reputation: This means to damage someone's reputation, often through false accusations.
To cast aspersions on someone: This means to make negative remarks or suggestions about someone, often implying wrongdoing.
While these phrases don't directly use the word "libel," they capture the essence of defamation and reputation damage, which is the core concept behind libel.
Posts Related to Libel
Source Information
Definition of libel from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
