Webster definition.........
li·bel
noun \ˈlī-bəl\
: the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
Full Definition of LIBEL
1
a: a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought
barchaic: a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone
2
a: a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression
b (1): a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2): defamation of a person by written or representational means (3): the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4): the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel
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Examples of LIBEL
He sued the newspaper for libel.
The newspaper was found guilty of libel.
The newspaper's attorneys argued that the article was not a libel.
To meet the Supreme Court's definition of libel involving a public figure, a quotation must not only be made up or materially altered. It must also defame the person quoted, and damage his or her reputation or livelihood … —Jane Gross, New York Times, 5 June 1993