What does libellous mean?
Libellous is an adjective for statements, publications, or other material that are false and damaging to an identifiable person's reputation. Its use often suggests legal wrongdoing: a libellous allegation may expose its publisher to a defamation claim, while libellous material can also refer to printed or broadcast content that makes a serious accusation without adequate evidence. The word is most common in British and Commonwealth legal English, whereas US usage generally favors the spelling “libelous.” Although it has a technical legal use, “libellous” also occurs in journalism and ordinary discussion when describing particularly harmful false claims. Its force comes from combining two ideas: communication to other people and damage to a reputation through an untrue assertion. It should not be used merely to describe harsh criticism, unsupported opinion, or an offensive remark that does not make a defamatory factual claim.
adjectivePublishing statements that are false and damaging to someone's reputation, especially accusations presented as published material. It is chiefly used in legal and journalistic contexts.
- Publishing false and reputation-damaging statements or accusations.
"The newspaper published a libellous account of the minister's private business and was subsequently forced to apologize."
"The court ruled that the social media post was libellous and violated the claimant's privacy."
"The author accused the publisher of circulating a libellous description of his character."
Libellous describes words with legal consequences: a false accusation that damages a reputation can become more than bad publicity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libellous come from?
The adjective developed from the English word “libel,” which was borrowed through French from Latin libellus, meaning “little book” or “pamphlet.” The Latin word was a diminutive of liber, meaning “book.” Libel originally referred to a written statement, and its modern legal sense developed as the term came to denote a defamatory publication.
Related word forms
How libellous is actually used
Chiefly a legal and journalistic term. In broader usage, it is often deliberately stronger than merely critical, suggesting an accusation that is false, damaging, and capable of harming someone's reputation.
Easily confused with libellous
This is the standard US spelling of the same adjective; both forms mean false and damaging to someone's reputation.