defamation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
    obloquy; hatchet job; calumniation; traducement; calumny.
  2. noun an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
    calumny; denigration; slander; aspersion.

WordNet

Def`a*ma"tion noun
Etymology
OE. diffamacioun, F. diffamation. See Defame.
Definitions
  1. Act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion. ✍ In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander. Burrill.

Webster 1913