defame

/dɪˈfeɪm/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfeɪm/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈfām dē-/ (ame, mw)

defame — verb

  • defamepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • defameshe / she / it
  • defamedpast simple
  • defaming-ing form

1. to make other people think badly of someone or an organization by spreading lies

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make other people think badly of someone or an organization by spreading lies about them in speech or writing.

例句

James sued the blogger after false posts defamed his restaurant online.

defame + business with false posts

The article defamed Yuna by inventing a story about stolen club money.

defame someone by inventing a story

同義詞
  • slander

    usually refers to spoken defamation rather than written claims

  • libel

    used for defamation in writing, print, or other published form

  • smear

    less legal and often suggests an organized public attack

文法句型

defame + person/group/business

defame someone by + -ing

be defamed by + false report/story

用法筆記

Often used in legal or media contexts when false statements harm a public reputation. Unlike "criticize", it suggests the claim is untrue, not merely harsh or negative.

常見錯誤

❌The review defamed the actor because it was negative.
✅The review criticized the actor harshly.
💡'defame' is used for false statements that damage a reputation, not for honest negative opinions.