Basic Details
Word: Libel
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A written statement that unfairly damages someone's reputation.
Synonyms: Slander, defamation, maligning
Antonyms: Praise, commendation, endorsement
Idioms and Phrases
- Libel tourism: The practice of bringing libel cases in jurisdictions offering the most favourable legal conditions for the plaintiff. Example: "He threatened to engage in libel tourism to silence the critics."
- Write someone up: To make a negative report about someone; often used in an informal context. Example: "She was worried that her old boss would write her up for his libelous comments."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The newspaper faced a lawsuit for publishing libel against a local politician.
Example 2: His reputation was damaged by false claims that amounted to libel.
Example 3: In court, the famous author defended herself against accusations of libel made by a former friend.
Fun Fact
The term "libel" comes from the Latin word "libellus," meaning "a small book" or "little book," which referred to any written document. Over time, it evolved to mean a written defamatory statement.
Famous Quote
"Defamation is essentially a lie; a defamatory statement is a lie which is spread as fact." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "libel" mean?
a) An innocent statement
b) A written statement that damages someone's reputation
c) A poem about love
d) A type of book
Answer: b) A written statement that damages someone's reputation
2. Which of these is a synonym of "libel"?
a) Joy
b) Slander
c) Celebration
d) Compliment
Answer: b) Slander
3. Which of the following can be considered an antonym of "libel"?
a) Defamation
b) Criticism
c) Praise
d) Insult
Answer: c) Praise
4. Which sentence uses "libel" correctly?
a) She will libel the book for her birthday.
b) The article libelled the actor by making false claims.
c) They libelled the flowers in the garden.
d) Libel is a delicious dessert.
Answer: b) The article libelled the actor by making false claims.
5. What does the idiom "write someone up" refer to?
a) To write a positive report
b) To make a negative report about someone
c) To write a novel
d) To send a letter
Answer: b) To make a negative report about someone
