What does libel mean?
To libel someone is to publish a false statement that seriously harms their reputation, while a libel is the statement itself or the act of publishing it. The word can be used broadly for damaging written accusations, including newspaper articles, websites, and social-media posts, though legal definitions differ between jurisdictions. Historically, libel had a more specific connection to permanent written publication, distinguishing it from slander, which ordinarily involves spoken words. Accusations of criminal libel are serious and legally consequential, and the word is therefore normally used with considerable care. Outside law, “libel” is often rhetorical: a publication may be described as libellous when it attacks someone’s character through what the publisher claims to be fact. The expression “libel on a person” is also common. Its unusual history gives the word an additional association with printed matter, since it ultimately comes from a Latin word meaning a small book.
A false and damaging statement published in writing or in another permanent form, or the act of publishing such a statement.
"The court ruled that the widely distributed pamphlet constituted libel."
In legal contexts, the precise elements of the offence vary by jurisdiction.
To publish or make publicly available a false statement that seriously harms someone's reputation.
"The account was suspended for libelling the musician in a series of posts."
The verb is commonly used in journalism and online speech as well as legal contexts.
The plural is used for individual false publications or for separate acts of publishing defamatory material.
"Several libels were circulated before the newspaper issued a formal apology."
The word “libel” comes from the Latin for “little book”: a damaging accusation was once circulated through the printed page.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libel come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French libelle, a legal term ultimately borrowed from Latin libellus, a diminutive of liber, meaning “book.” Its original legal sense referred to a written accusation, especially one contained in a formal published document. The word was later generalized to harmful false statements published in writing or other permanent forms. Its relatives library, librarian, and bibliography preserve the same Latin book-root.
Related word forms
How libel is actually used
In modern English, “libel” often means defamatory publication outside the strict legal sense. Legal usage varies by jurisdiction, and criminal libel is a narrower and less widely used category. The adjective forms “libelous” and “libellous” are both accepted, with the doubled form more common in British usage.
Easily confused with libel
Libel generally concerns a written or published false statement, whereas slander generally concerns a spoken false statement.