What does slandering mean?
Slandering means speaking falsely and maliciously about someone in a way that harms their reputation or character. The word can be used for written claims, public statements, or repeated accusations, but its strongest sense implies that the statements are false and deliberately damaging. It is more forceful and accusatory than simply criticizing someone, and it carries a legal as well as everyday connotation. In journalism and public debate, “accuse someone of slandering” suggests a serious allegation about harmful speech rather than ordinary disagreement. The term is recognized in British and American English, with spelling and legal usage varying somewhat by context, but its core meaning is consistent: making damaging, commonly untrue claims about another person.
verbTo make false statements about someone or something that damage their reputation or character. It can also refer more generally to speaking disparagingly or maliciously about another person.
- To make false statements that damage another person’s reputation.
- To speak maliciously or disparagingly about someone or something.
"The newspaper was accused of slandering the politician by publishing unverified allegations."
"He was found guilty of slandering his former business partner."
"Rather than slandering her opponents, she criticized their policies on the record."
Slandering turns words into weapons: a single false accusation can inflict lasting damage on a person’s reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slandering come from?
The word comes from Old French slanders, meaning “accusation” or “slander,” and ultimately derives from a Germanic word related to “slander” and “mockery.” English adopted the term in the Middle English period, initially in the sense of false accusation or harmful speech. The modern form developed through the addition of the -er- inflection in slandering and related forms. The root also survives in words such as “slanderous,” meaning defamatory or insulting.
Related word forms
How slandering is actually used
The word is strongly negative and usually implies falsity, malice, and damage to someone’s reputation. It is commonly used in formal and legal contexts, although it also occurs in general journalism and argument.
Easily confused with slandering
Slander is the false and damaging statement itself, whereas slandering is the act of making such statements.
Libel is a defamatory statement made in a written or otherwise permanent form, while slandering is the broader act of making damaging false statements.