slander
slander
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling for "slander": /ˈslɑːndə/ or /ˈslændɚ/
Breakdown of sounds:
First syllable (ˈslɑːn):
/s/ - voiceless alveolar sibilant
/l/ - alveolar lateral liquid
/ɑː/ - open back unrounded vowel (long)
Second syllable (də):
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive
/ə/ - schwa vowel
Word Form Variations
Noun:
slander (singular)
slanders (plural)
Verb:
slander (present tense)
slandered (past tense)
slandering (present participle)
slandered (past participle)
Adjective:
slanderous (meaning: defamatory, malicious)
Noun (derived):
slanderer (a person who slanders)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A false and malicious statement or report that damages someone's reputation.
Synonyms: defamation, libel, calumny, vilification, aspersion
Antonyms: praise, compliment, flattery
Verb
Definition: To make a false and malicious statement about someone.
Synonyms: defame, libel, calumniate, vilify, asperse
Antonyms: praise, compliment, flatter
Adjective
Definition: Malicious and false, especially tending to damage someone's reputation.
Synonyms: defamatory, libellous, calumnious, vilifying, aspersive
Antonyms: complimentary, laudatory, flattering
Examples of Use
In Books
Legal Textbooks: Law textbooks often discuss slander as a type of defamation, providing legal definitions and case studies. For instance, a legal textbook might explain how spoken defamation, like slander, differs from written defamation, or libel.
Historical Fiction: Historical fiction novels may incorporate slanderous accusations as a plot device. For example, a novel set in a historical period of political intrigue might depict a character using slander to ruin the reputation of a rival.
In Newspapers and Online Publications
News Articles: News articles may report on real-world cases of slander, such as a celebrity suing a tabloid for false accusations. For example, a headline might read, "Actor Sues Tabloid for Slanderous Claims."
Opinion Pieces: Opinion pieces may discuss the impact of slander on individuals and society. A columnist might argue that social media has made it easier for people to spread slanderous rumors.
In Entertainment Media and Platforms
Movies and TV Shows: Movies and TV shows often depict characters engaging in slander, whether intentionally or unintentionally. For instance, a soap opera might feature a character spreading false rumors about another character to cause drama.
Social Media: Social media platforms are notorious for the spread of slanderous comments and rumors. A viral tweet or Facebook post might contain false accusations about a public figure or private individual.
In General Public Discourse
Political Campaigns: Political campaigns often involve the use of slanderous attacks against opponents. Politicians may make false claims about their rivals' character or qualifications.
Workplace Disputes: Workplace disputes can sometimes involve slanderous accusations between employees. For example, a disgruntled employee might spread rumors about a coworker's incompetence or dishonesty.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Slander
“When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser.”
— Socrates
This quote underscores how slander is often employed when logical arguments fail.“Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln emphasizes that maintaining truthfulness is the most effective defense against slander.“Slander is the revenge of a coward, and dissimulation of his defense.”
— Samuel Johnson
Johnson points out that slander is a cowardly act, often used to mask one's inability to defend themselves honestly.“Slander is a poison which kills charity, both in the slanderer and the one who listens.”
— Bernard of Clairvaux
This quote highlights the destructive nature of slander on both the speaker and the listener.“You cannot slander human nature; it is worse than words can paint it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon suggests that human nature's flaws are so profound that slander cannot exaggerate them.“Slander is the tool of cowards.”
— Vanna Bonta
Bonta succinctly labels slander as a weapon used by those lacking courage.“Slander, whose whisper over the world's diameter, as level as the cannon to its blank, transports its poisoned shot.”
— William Shakespeare
Shakespeare poetically describes slander as a silent yet deadly force that spreads harm globally.“Slander is a vice that strikes a double blow; wounding both him that commits, and him against whom it is committed.”
— Bernard-Joseph Saurin
Saurin emphasizes that slander harms both the perpetrator and the victim.“Slander meets no regard from noble minds; only the base believe what the base only utter.”
— John Bellers
Bellers asserts that honorable individuals do not entertain slander, which is propagated and believed by the ignoble.“Slander is an admission that you don't have anything else worthwhile to say. It is a clear indication of both your personal emotional bankruptcy and the paucity of whatever arguments you are advancing.”
— Rebecca Hamilton
Hamilton criticizes slander as a sign of lacking substantive arguments and emotional depth.
Etymology
The word "slander" has a long history. It comes from the Old French word "esclandre," which itself comes from the Late Latin word "scandalum." Originally, "scandalum" meant a "stumbling block" or something that causes offense.
Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to a false and harmful statement made about someone. The first known use of "slander" in English was around the year 1290.
So, the next time you hear someone spreading rumors, you can think back to its ancient Latin roots and how it's evolved into the word we use today to describe harmful gossip.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Slander
While "slander" isn't commonly used in everyday idioms, we can explore some phrases and expressions related to the concept of defamation and false accusations:
To cast aspersions on someone: This means to criticize someone unfairly or to make false accusations.
To smear someone's reputation: This means to damage someone's reputation by spreading false rumors or negative information.
To throw mud at someone: This is a more informal way of saying that someone is spreading false rumors or making unfair accusations.
To run a smear campaign: This refers to a deliberate attempt to damage someone's reputation by spreading false information.
To blacken someone's name: This means to damage someone's reputation by spreading negative information.
These phrases and idioms, while not directly using the word "slander," convey the same idea of damaging someone's reputation through false accusations.
Posts Related to Slander
Source Information
Definition of slander from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
