Defamation vs. Slander: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Aimie Carlson || Updated on November 7, 2023
Defamation is harming another's reputation with false statements, while Slander is defamation specifically through spoken words.
Key Differences
Defamation encompasses any false statement, whether spoken or written, that injures a person's reputation. Slander, specifically, pertains to those defamatory statements that are spoken or uttered.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
. Defamation serves as an umbrella term that includes various mediums through which false and damaging information can be disseminated about a person. Slander is one such subset, focusing solely on the oral form of misinformation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
. To claim damages for Defamation, one must generally prove that the statement was false, damaging, and made without adequate research into its truthfulness. When claiming damages for Slander, these criteria still apply, but it must also be evident that the statement was spoken.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
. In the legal realm, differentiating between Defamation and Slander can be critical, especially when determining the nature and extent of damages. While Defamation can encompass damages from written (libel) or spoken statements, Slander deals exclusively with oral remarks.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
. Both Defamation and Slander concern the protection of an individual's reputation against falsehoods. However, the primary distinction lies in the medium: Defamation is broad and medium-neutral, whereas Slander is medium-specific.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A false statement damaging a person's reputation
Defamation specifically through speech
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Proof Requirement
Falsehood, damaging nature, and carelessness
Same as defamation plus oral nature
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Associated Term
Includes libel (written defamation)
Exclusive to spoken defamation
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Defamation and Slander Definitions
Defamation
The act of harming the good name of someone.
The false accusations amounted to Defamation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Slander
Oral defamation harming a person's reputation.
The rumors he spread were pure Slander.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Defamation
Maligning a person's image with untruths.
He sued the newspaper for Defamation after they published the erroneous report.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Slander
Damaging someone's reputation through spoken untruths.
During the debate, he was careful to avoid Slander while critiquing his opponent.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Defamation
The dissemination of false claims about someone, leading to reputation damage.
The politician faced Defamation from opposing parties during the election.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Slander
Spoken words that falsely and negatively depict someone.
The false testimonies in court were acts of Slander.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Defamation
A false statement that injures someone's reputation.
The article contained Defamation about the celebrity's personal life.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Slander
(Law) Oral communication of false and malicious statements that damage the reputation of another.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Defamation
Damaging the character of someone through false information.
The business suffered due to the Defamation spread by competitors.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Defamation
The act of injuring another person's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Defamation
Act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
A false or unsupported, malicious statement (spoken, not written), especially one which is injurious to a person's reputation; the making of such a statement.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
(Internet) A collection of humorous videos intended to poke fun at a certain group of people, such as a community or nation
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
A false tale or report maliciously uttered, tending to injure the reputation of another; the malicious utterance of defamatory reports; the dissemination of malicious tales or suggestions to the injury of another.
Whether we speak evil of a man to his face or behind his back; the former way, indeed, seems to be the most generous, but yet is a great fault, and that which we call "reviling;" the latter is more mean and base, and that which we properly call "slander", or "Backbiting."
[We] make the careful magistrateThe mark of slander.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
Disgrace; reproach; dishonor; opprobrium.
Thou slander of thy mother's heavy womb.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
Formerly, defamation generally, whether oral or written; in modern usage, defamation by words spoken; utterance of false, malicious, and defamatory words, tending to the damage and derogation of another; calumny. See the Note under Defamation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
To defame; to injure by maliciously uttering a false report; to tarnish or impair the reputation of by false tales maliciously told or propagated; to calumniate.
O, do not slander him, for he is kind.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
To bring discredit or shame upon by one's acts.
Tax not so bad a voiceTo slander music any more than once.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
Charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone;
The journalists have defamed me!
The article in the paper sullied my reputation
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Slander
The act of verbally maligning someone's character with falsehoods.
The radio host committed Slander by sharing unverified stories about the guest.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Slander
The verbal spread of damaging misinformation about a person.
The celebrity addressed the Slander during the interview to set the record straight.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
FAQs
What is the written form of Defamation called?
The written form of Defamation is called libel.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is truth a defense against Slander claims?
Yes, truth is generally a defense against Slander and Defamation claims.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Can Slander occur in a private conversation?
Yes, Slander can occur in private if it damages someone's reputation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is all negative commentary considered Defamation?
No, only false statements that harm one's reputation qualify as Defamation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Are there legal consequences for Slander?
Yes, one can sue for damages resulting from Slander.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Does Defamation only cover false facts?
Generally, yes. Merely expressing an opinion isn't typically considered Defamation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
How does one prove Defamation in court?
Typically by demonstrating the statement was false, damaging, and negligently or maliciously made.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can public figures sue for Defamation?
Yes, but they often must prove "actual malice" or reckless disregard for the truth.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Are damages always awarded in Slander cases?
Not always. Plaintiffs must prove actual harm, especially for non-business-related Slander.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can businesses be victims of Defamation?
Yes, businesses can suffer reputation harm and financial loss due to Defamation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can Slander include non-verbal gestures?
Generally, no. Slander is specific to spoken words, but gestures might be considered in the broader context.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
How soon should one act upon experiencing Slander?
Laws differ, but prompt legal advice is beneficial due to statutes of limitations.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can one unintentionally commit Slander?
Yes, but intent can impact potential legal consequences.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Does Defamation require a widespread audience?
No, Defamation can occur even if only one other person hears or reads the false statement.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
How does Slander differ from mere insult?
Slander involves a false claim, whereas insults can be subjective opinions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can opinions be considered Defamation?
Pure opinions aren't usually Defamatory, but presented as facts, they can be.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is Defamation criminal or civil?
In most U.S. jurisdictions, Defamation is a civil matter, but some countries have criminal Defamation laws.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
How prevalent is Slander in the age of social media?
Slander can be rampant on social platforms, but its legal boundaries are still being defined.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What distinguishes Defamation from mere gossip?
Gossip can be true or false; Defamation is specifically false and damaging.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Does Slander require malicious intent?
Not necessarily. Even negligently spreading false information can be considered Slander.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
