What does libeling mean?
Libeling means making a false, reputation-damaging statement in a written or published form. In legal usage, the statement must be defamatory, ordinarily concern an identifiable person, and have been communicated to someone other than the person defamed. Newspapers, books, websites, and other permanent media are therefore typical settings for the word, although modern usage sometimes applies it more broadly to damaging accusations made online. The verb carries a strongly negative connotation because it implies a serious, potentially actionable attack on someone’s character or standing. The closely related noun “libel” names the offending statement or the legal action concerning it, while “slander” more specifically refers to spoken defamation. Libeling is chiefly the North American spelling; British usage normally spells it “libelling.” The term remains important because it distinguishes reputational harm through published expression from similar harm transmitted through speech.
verbTo publish a false statement of fact that seriously damages another person’s reputation. More broadly, it means to defame someone in writing or through another permanent medium.
- To publish a false statement of fact that seriously harms another person’s reputation, especially in a newspaper, book, or other permanent medium.
"The newspaper denied libeling the candidate in its coverage of the election."
"The newspaper was accused of libeling the candidate after publishing unverified allegations."
"In everyday usage, she warned that spreading false rumors online was no less serious than libeling someone in print."
Its Latin ancestor simply meant “little book,” but the modern legal term still recognizes the formidable power of published words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libeling come from?
The word comes through Old French “libelle,” from Latin “libellus,” a diminutive of “liber” meaning “book.” Its earlier sense of a short book or pamphlet developed into the modern legal sense of a defamatory publication. The double-“l” spelling is standard in British English, whereas North American usage generally uses the single-“l” form “libeling.”
Related word forms
How libeling is actually used
Chiefly a legal term in formal contexts, though it is also used figuratively for damaging someone’s reputation through published statements. British English usually retains the double “l” in “libelling” and “libeller.”
Easily confused with libeling
Both forms mean to defame someone; “libelling” is the standard British spelling, while “libeling” is the usual North American spelling.
Slander normally concerns spoken defamation, whereas libel concerns written, published, or otherwise permanently recorded material.