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Libel vs Denigrate - What's the difference?

libel | denigrate |

In lang=en terms the difference between libel and denigrate

is that libel is to proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel while denigrate is to blacken.

In transitive terms the difference between libel and denigrate

is that libel is to defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel while denigrate is to treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage.

As a noun libel

is a written or pictorial statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.

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

    * ----

    denigrate

    English

    Verb

    (denigrat)
  • To criticise so as to besmirch; traduce, disparage or defame.
  • To treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage.
  • (rare) To blacken.
  • Derived terms

    * denigration * denigratory