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Libel vs Malign - What's the difference?

libel | malign | Synonyms |

In transitive terms the difference between libel and malign

is that libel is to defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel while malign is to make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.

As a noun libel

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

As an adjective malign is

evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.

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

    * ----

    malign

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.
  • * Francis Bacon
    • Witchcraft may be by operation of malign spirits.
  • malevolent.
  • * 1891 -
    • He was sure they [the stars] were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance.
  • (oncology) malignant
    • a malign ulcer
    (Francis Bacon)

    Related terms

    * malignant

    Antonyms

    * benign

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.
  • * South
    • To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling.
  • (archaic) To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong.
  • * Spenser
    • The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Anagrams

    * * English transitive verbs