slanderous
UK: ˈslɑːndərəs | US: ˈslændərəs
adj. containing false and damaging statements about someone
adj. characterized by malicious defamation
The word "slanderous" derives from the noun "slander," which entered Middle English via Old French esclandre (scandal, disgrace), ultimately from Latin scandalum (stumbling block, offense). The suffix "-ous" (from Latin -osus) transforms the noun into an adjective, meaning "full of" or "characterized by." Thus, "slanderous" literally means "full of slander" or "characterized by defamatory falsehoods." The term reflects the legal and moral weight of spoken falsehoods historically seen as societal stumbling blocks.
The article was deemed slanderous and led to a costly lawsuit.
His slanderous remarks damaged her reputation irreparably.
Politicians often face slanderous accusations during campaigns.
The court dismissed the claim as baseless and slanderous.
She sued the tabloid for publishing slanderous lies about her personal life.