noun
Uncommon
slander
SLAHN-duh
Slander (noun) means a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation. Example: “She sued her former colleague for slander after he spread false rumors about her.”
noun
1
A false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation.
"She sued her former colleague for slander after he spread false rumors about her."
"The comments made on the radio show amounted to slander."
verb
1
To make a false and damaging spoken statement about someone.
"He accused the tabloid of slandering him on live television."
How to use slander
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDamaging someone's reputation with a false spoken claim.
Common mistake
Slander is spoken defamation; libel is written or published defamation. People often use them interchangeably, but legally they are different.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sue for slander
slander someone
a slander case
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Word forms
- Plural
- slanders
- Third person singular
- slanders
- Past tense
- slandered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She sued her former colleague for _____ after he spread false rumors about her.
Etymology
From Old French esclandre, ultimately from Greek skandalon ("stumbling block"), the same root that gives us "scandal."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for slander
See all rhymes for slander →Frequently asked questions
What does “slander” mean?
The word “slander” means a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation. In plain terms, damaging someone's reputation with a false spoken claim.
How do you pronounce “slander”?
“Slander” is pronounced SLAHN-duh (/ˈslændɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “slander” in a sentence?
Here is “slander” used in a sentence: “She sued her former colleague for slander after he spread false rumors about her.”
What is the opposite of “slander”?
The opposite of “slander” — its antonyms — are glorification and glorify.
What part of speech is “slander”?
Depending on how it is used, “slander” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “slander” come from?
The word “slander” comes from Old French. From Old French esclandre, ultimately from Greek skandalon ("stumbling block"), the same root that gives us "scandal.".
Is “slander” a common word?
“Slander” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “slander” have?
“Slander” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a false spoken statement that damages someone's reputation.
