libelous
UK: ˈlaɪbələs | US: ˈlaɪbələs
adj. containing or constituting a libel; defamatory
adj. harmful to reputation; slanderous
libelous = libel<written defamation> + ous<adjective suffix>
- libel: From Latin libellus ("little book, pamphlet"), diminutive of liber ("book"). Originally referred to written statements, later narrowed to defamatory writings.
- ous: Suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -osus, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin libellus, a diminutive of liber ("book"). In medieval legal contexts, libel referred to written accusations, evolving into its modern sense of "defamatory statement." The suffix -ous (via Old French -ous) was added to form the adjective, emphasizing the characteristic of containing libel. The progression reflects societal focus on written defamation as a distinct legal and moral concept.
The article was deemed libelous and was retracted by the publisher.
Spreading libelous rumors can lead to serious legal consequences.
Her lawyer argued that the statements were not libelous but factual.
The celebrity sued the magazine for publishing libelous content.
Journalists must avoid libelous claims to maintain credibility.