Defamation definition: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
The term "Defamation" refers to a false statement made by one party about another, which harms the subject's reputation. Defamation can be spoken (slander) or written (libel) and often arises in contexts where reputational damage leads to legal disputes or liability. In contracts, "Defamation" may be relevant for clauses addressing liability, confidentiality, or public communications.
Below are various examples of how "Defamation" can be defined in different contexts. Copy the one that fits your needs, customize it, and use it in your contract.
Definition of "Defamation" as a false statement causing harm
This definition ties "Defamation" to reputational harm caused by falsehoods.
"Defamation" means a false statement made orally, in writing, or through other media that causes harm to another party's reputation, resulting in damages or legal liability.
Definition of "Defamation" as libel and slander
This definition distinguishes the two forms of "Defamation."
"Defamation" refers to the act of making false statements about another party, including libel (written defamation) and slander (spoken defamation), that result in reputational harm.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational damage
This definition emphasizes the harm caused by "Defamation."
"Defamation" means any false communication that damages the reputation of an individual, business, or entity, whether made negligently or intentionally.
Definition of "Defamation" as a legal tort
This definition links "Defamation" to tort law.
"Defamation" refers to a tort involving false and harmful statements about another party that lead to reputational damage and potential legal claims for damages.
Definition of "Defamation" as malicious falsehood
This definition focuses on intent in "Defamation."
"Defamation" means a false statement made with malicious intent or reckless disregard for the truth, causing harm to the subject's reputation or credibility.
Definition of "Defamation" as public harm to reputation
This definition ties "Defamation" to public exposure.
"Defamation" refers to the communication of false statements to the public or third parties that harm the reputation of the individual or entity being discussed.
Definition of "Defamation" as a breach of truth
This definition connects "Defamation" to the failure to convey truthful information.
"Defamation" means the publication or utterance of false statements about another party that breach the standard of truth and result in reputational damage.
Definition of "Defamation" as negligent or intentional falsehood
This definition highlights the mental state behind "Defamation."
"Defamation" refers to false and harmful statements made negligently or with intent, resulting in harm to the subject’s personal or professional reputation.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational harm in business contexts
This definition focuses on "Defamation" in business or professional settings.
"Defamation" means false statements made about a business, company, or professional entity that harm its reputation, financial standing, or customer relationships.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through media or publications
This definition emphasizes "Defamation" in mass communication.
"Defamation" refers to the dissemination of false statements through print, broadcast, or digital media that causes reputational harm to an individual or organization.
Definition of "Defamation" as a false public accusation
This definition ties "Defamation" to public allegations.
"Defamation" means any false accusation made publicly or to third parties that damages the reputation of an individual, group, or organization.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm to professional reputation
This definition emphasizes "Defamation" in professional contexts.
"Defamation" refers to false statements or claims that harm the professional standing, credibility, or reputation of an individual or business.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational harm through negligence
This definition highlights negligent acts in "Defamation."
"Defamation" means the unintentional or negligent communication of false statements that result in reputational harm to another party.
Definition of "Defamation" as a published falsehood
This definition focuses on "Defamation" in published forms.
"Defamation" refers to false and damaging information published in print, online, or broadcast media that harms the reputation of an individual or entity.
Definition of "Defamation" as a claim for reputational injury
This definition ties "Defamation" to legal claims for injury.
"Defamation" means any false statement or communication that results in reputational injury and forms the basis for a legal claim.
Definition of "Defamation" as malicious intent to harm reputation
This definition highlights intent in "Defamation."
"Defamation" refers to false statements made with malicious intent to harm the reputation of another person or organization.
Definition of "Defamation" as false and damaging speech
This definition ties "Defamation" to spoken or written harm.
"Defamation" means false and damaging speech or communication, whether oral or written, that harms another’s personal, professional, or business reputation.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through false advertising
This definition emphasizes "Defamation" in commercial advertising.
"Defamation" refers to the act of making false or misleading statements in advertising that harm the reputation or credibility of another business or product.
Definition of "Defamation" as character assassination
This definition ties "Defamation" to deliberate harm to character.
"Defamation" means the intentional or reckless destruction of someone’s reputation through the spread of false and damaging information.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational damage in online platforms
This definition focuses on digital defamation.
"Defamation" refers to false and harmful statements made on digital platforms, such as social media, blogs, or forums, that damage an individual’s or entity’s reputation.
Definition of "Defamation" as liability for false publication
This definition ties "Defamation" to publication liability.
"Defamation" means the liability incurred from publishing false statements that harm another’s reputation, including damages for reputational injury.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through libelous material
This definition focuses on written "Defamation."
"Defamation" refers to harm caused by libelous material, including false written statements or publications that damage a person’s reputation.
Definition of "Defamation" as oral slander causing harm
This definition highlights spoken "Defamation."
"Defamation" means harm caused by slander, involving false oral statements made to third parties that damage another’s reputation.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through implied falsehoods
This definition ties "Defamation" to indirect false statements.
"Defamation" refers to harm caused by implied falsehoods or insinuations that damage the reputation of an individual or entity.
Definition of "Defamation" as false claims in business competition
This definition highlights "Defamation" in competitive contexts.
"Defamation" means false and damaging statements made by one business to harm the reputation or standing of a competitor in the marketplace.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational harm to public figures
This definition ties "Defamation" to public figures.
"Defamation" refers to false statements made about public figures or officials that harm their reputation or credibility.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through false accusations of crime
This definition focuses on criminal accusations.
"Defamation" means false accusations of criminal conduct made against an individual that harm their reputation and standing in the community.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through reckless disregard for the truth
This definition emphasizes recklessness in "Defamation."
"Defamation" refers to false statements made with reckless disregard for the truth, resulting in reputational harm to another party.
Definition of "Defamation" as false communication to third parties
This definition highlights the dissemination aspect of "Defamation."
"Defamation" means the communication of false information to third parties, leading to reputational harm for the subject of the statement.
Definition of "Defamation" as a tort of reputational injury
This definition ties "Defamation" to legal redress.
"Defamation" refers to the tort of reputational injury, where false statements cause damage to a party’s reputation and may result in civil liability.
Definition of "Defamation" as harm through false endorsements
This definition emphasizes "Defamation" in false endorsements.
"Defamation" means reputational harm caused by false claims of endorsement or association, leading to public misunderstanding and damages.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational harm in private disputes
This definition ties "Defamation" to personal disputes.
"Defamation" refers to false statements made during private disputes that harm the reputation of an individual or entity when shared with third parties.
Definition of "Defamation" as reputational harm through unauthorized publications
This definition focuses on unauthorized communications.
"Defamation" means harm caused by false statements published without authorization, resulting in reputational damage to the affected party.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.