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Label vs Libel - What's the difference?

label | libel |

In transitive terms the difference between label and libel

is that label is to give a label to (someone or something) in order to categorise that person or thing while libel is to defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.

label

English

Alternative forms

* labell (non-standard)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A small ticket or sign giving information about something to which it is attached or intended to be attached.
    • We laughed at her because the label was still on her new sweater.
    The label says this silk scarf should not be washed in the washing machine.
    Although the label priced this poster at three pounds, I got it for two.
  • A name given to something or someone to categorise them as part of a particular social group.
    • Ever since he started going to the rock club, he's been given the label "waster".
  • A company that sells records.
    • The label signed the band after hearing a demo tape.
  • (computing) A user-defined alias for a numerical designation, the reverse of an enumeration.
    • Storage devices can be given by label or ID.
  • (computing) A named place in source code that can be jumped to using a GOTO or equivalent construct.
  • (heraldiccharge) A charge resembling the strap crossing the horse’s chest from which pendants are hung.
  • (obsolete) A tassel.
    • (Huloet)
    (Fuller)
  • A piece of writing added to something, such as a codicil appended to a will.
  • A brass rule with sights, formerly used with a circumferentor to take altitudes.
    • (Knight)
  • (architecture) The projecting moulding by the sides, and over the tops, of openings in mediaeval architecture.
  • In mediaeval art, the representation of a band or scroll containing an inscription.
    • (Fairholt)

    Synonyms

    * (small ticket) sign, tag, ticket * (name given to something or someone) category, pigeonhole * (heraldry) lambel

    Derived terms

    * designer label

    Verb

  • To put a label (a ticket or sign) on (something).
    • The shop assistant labeled all the products in the shop.
  • To give a label to (someone or something) in order to categorise that person or thing.
    • He's been unfairly labeled as a cheat, although he's only ever cheated once.

    Synonyms

    * (put a ticket or sign on) tag, price * (give a label to in order to categorise) categorise, compartmentalise, pigeonhole

    References

    * *

    Anagrams

    * ----

    libel

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A written or pictorial statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
  • (uncountable) The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.
  • Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
  • (law) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
  • A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
    • (Chaucer)
  • * Wyclif Bible (Matthew v. 31)
    • a libel of forsaking [divorcement]

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Verb

  • To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
    • He libelled her when he published that.
  • * Alexander Pope
    • Some wicked wits have libelled all the fair.
  • (legal) To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * blood libel * libelant * libel chill * libelee * libeler * libelist * libelous

    See also

    * defamation * defame * slander

    Anagrams

    * ----