Basic Details
Word: Defamation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The action of damaging someone's reputation by saying false things about them.
Synonyms: Slander, libel
Antonyms: Praise, commendation
Idioms and Phrases
- Defame someone's character: To speak ill of someone or spread false information about them to tarnish their reputation. Example: "It was disappointing to see how the article sought to defame her character without any real evidence."
- Drag through the mud: To publicly disgrace someone, often through false accusations. Example: "The politician's opponents tried to drag him through the mud during the campaign."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The newspaper faced a lawsuit for defamation after publishing incorrect claims about the celebrity.
Example 2: Slander is a spoken form of defamation that can hurt someone's reputation just as much as written defamation can.
Example 3: It is essential to clarify your statements to avoid any accusations of defamation against others.
Fun Fact
Did you know that defamation laws vary significantly from one country to another? In some places, truth is a complete defence against defamation claims!
Famous Quote
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "defamation" mean?
a) Boosting someones reputation
b) Damaging someone's reputation with false statements
c) A type of compliment
d) A form of celebration
Answer: b) Damaging someone's reputation with false statements
2. Which of these is a synonym of "defamation"?
a) Praise
b) Commendation
c) Slander
d) Support
Answer: c) Slander
3. Which of these words is an antonym of "defamation"?
a) Criticism
b) Slander
c) Praise
d) Accusation
Answer: c) Praise
4. Which sentence uses "defamation" correctly?
a) The defamation won the award for best actor.
b) The defamation of the public figure was proven false.
c) She defamation very well in her speech.
d) They decided to defamation the cake for the party.
Answer: b) The defamation of the public figure was proven false.
5. Which idiom means to harm someones reputation?
a) Drag through the mud
b) Come out of the blue
c) Hit the nail on the head
d) Break the ice
Answer: a) Drag through the mud
