Definition of Slander
Quick Meaning of Slander
To say untrue bad things about someone that damage what people think of them. The false claims are spoken, not written.
Detailed Definition of Slander
To make false or damaging spoken statements about someone that harm their reputation; to defame verbally.
How to Pronounce Slander
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: SLAN-der. The 'a' is short like in 'cat'. The final 'er' is unstressed: -dər.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it SLAN-dər with emphasis on the first syllable being correct, but stress the second: slan-DER (wrong). Correct: SLAN-der (first syllable).
Origin and Etymology of Slander
From Old French 'escandre' (disgrace, shame). Related to 'scandal'. Entered English in 13th century with legal meaning of false accusation.
How to Use Slander in a Sentence
Each example shows “slander” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The politician accused his opponent of attempting to slander him during the debate.”
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“It is illegal to slander someone by making false accusations about their character.”
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“She refused to slander her rivals despite the competitive pressure.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Slander
Common Synonyms for Slander
Smart Synonyms for Slander — When to Use Each
- defame
- General term for damaging reputation; covers both spoken
- libel
- Specific legal term for written false statements (slander
- vilify
- To say extremely harsh or abusive things about
Common Collocations with Slander
These phrases pair with “slander” in everyday English:
- slander someone
- slander a person
- accused of slandering
- slander campaign
- slander someone's name
Common Mistakes When Using Slander
Even fluent speakers slip up with “slander”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He slandered him in the newspaper.
- ✓ Correct: He libeled him in the newspaper. / He slandered him in public.
- Why: Slander is spoken; for written attacks use 'libel'. For spoken slander, say 'in public' or 'to others'.
- ✗ Wrong: Don't slander about him.
- ✓ Correct: Don't slander him. / Don't say bad things about him.
- Why: 'Slander' is a transitive verb; it needs a direct object (who you're slandering), not 'about'.
- ✗ Wrong: The slander of him was wrong.
- ✓ Correct: Slandering him was wrong.
- Why: When using as a noun, 'slander' typically refers to the act itself or the false claims in general, not 'the slander of him'. Use the gerund or say 'false accusations'.
Words Confused With Slander
- Slander vs Libel: Both harm reputation, but 'slander' is spoken and 'libel' is written. Slander is harder to prove legally.
Other Forms of Slander
- Noun: slander, slanderer
- Verb: slander
- Adjective: slanderous
- Adverb: slanderously
Frequently Asked Questions About Slander
What is the meaning of "Slander"?
To say untrue bad things about someone that damage what people think of them. The false claims are spoken, not written.
How do you pronounce "Slander"?
The IPA is /ˈslændər/. Stress the first syllable: SLAN-der. The 'a' is short like in 'cat'. The final 'er' is unstressed: -dər.
What part of speech is "Slander"?
"Slander" is a verb at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Slander"?
Common synonyms include defame, libel, malign.
How do you use "Slander" in a sentence?
For example: "The politician accused his opponent of attempting to slander him during the debate."