defamatory

[ dih-fam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. containing defamation; injurious to reputation; slanderous or libelous:

   She claimed that the article in the magazine was defamatory.

defamatory

/ -trɪ; dɪˈfæmətərɪ /

adjective

1. injurious to someone's name or reputation

Derived Forms

• deˈfamatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• nonde·fama·tory adjective
• unde·fama·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defamatory¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Medieval Latin diffāmātōrius, equivalent to Latin diffāmā(re) ( defame ) + -tōrious -tory ¹

Example Sentences

He added: “Making defamatory remarks is not going to help Metro Boomin’s cause and we look forward to proving Ms. LeMaistre’s claims in court and ultimately before a jury.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is alleged he breached an injunction not to repeat lies about a Syrian refugee which had been previously ruled by a judge to be defamatory.

From BBC

“Plaintiffs have suffered injuries as a result of Defendant Trump’s false and defamatory statements and bring this lawsuit to obtain redress,” the filing reads.

From Salon

Members of the Central Park Five have sued Donald Trump for making “false and defamatory” statements during the 10 September presidential debate.

From BBC

“Each alleged defamatory statement is presented in the context of stylistic, cinematic choices that reaffirm for the viewer that the Series is not a precise portrayal of historical fact,” the motion reads.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• derogatory
• disparaging
• injurious
• insulting