1. (law) a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
   "The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing unsubstantiated allegations"
    
2. (law) the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief they seek
   "The celebrity filed a libel suit against the tabloid for publishing false information"

1. Print slanderous statements against
   "The newspaper was accused of libelling him"

Derived forms: libelled, libeled, libeling, libels, libelling

Type of: asperse, besmirch, calumniate [formal], calumniation, calumny, complaint, defamation, defame, denigrate, hatchet job, obloquy, slander, smear, smirch, sully, traducement

Encyclopedia: Libel