libel

The legally indefensible publication or broadcast of words or images that are degrading to a person or injurious to his or her reputation.

An incidence of such publication or broadcast.

The written claims initiating a suit in an admiralty court.

To publish or broadcast a libel about (a person). synonym: malign.

In law, a petition for a decree in divorce.

In admiralty law, Scots law, and English ecclesiastical law, to serve a libel upon; institute suit against; present a formal charge against for trial, as against a clergyman for conduct unbecoming his office, or against a ship or goods for a violation of the laws of trade or revenue. See libel, n., 2.

To defame or expose to public hatred or contempt by a malicious and injurious publication, as a writing, picture, or the like; lampoon.

Synonyms Defame, Calumniate, etc. See asperse.

To spread defamation, written or printed: with against.