defamatory
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of defamatory
First recorded in 1585–95; from Medieval Latin diffāmātōrius, equivalent to Latin diffāmā(re) ( see defame) + -tōrious -tory 1
Explanation
Defamatory is a word used to describe statements that are untrue, slanderous, or libelous. Defamatory language often consists of harmful lies. Defamatory words — that is, words which defame — are words that can cause real damage. If someone said you were a secret unicorn hunter, that would be a silly, not defamatory, lie. If someone said you were a thief or a traitor, and you weren't, that would be defamatory. Public figures, like celebrities and politicians, are especially sensitive to defamatory statements about them.
Vocabulary lists containing defamatory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In September, WLF announced on X that it suspected Sun of “misappropriation of other holders’ funds,” which Sun calls “a false and defamatory claim that World Liberty has never proven.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
To accuse them falsely of passing AI-generated work as their own is potentially defamatory.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Cizeron, who is competing in next month's Milan-Cortina Winter Games with a new partner, has denounced "defamatory remarks" and is considering legal action.
From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026
Screenshots also showed messages containing defamatory statements appearing for some users.
From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025
As the gist of the tort consists of the injury done to one's reputation, the defamatory statement must have been published.
From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Bolles, Albert Sidney
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
