Defamation - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition defamation

Definition :

Defamation, an intentional false communication, either published or publicly spoken, that injures another's reputation or good name, holding up of a person to reduce, Scorn or contempt in a respectable an considerable part of the community; may be criminal as well as civil. Includes both libel and slander. (Indian Penal Code, 1860, s. 499)

Defamation, general term for words spoken (slander) or written (libel) to the prejudice of a person's character, in such wise as to support an action by such person against the speaker or writer. The ecclesiastical courts had formerly a concurrent jurisdiction in such an action, but such jurisdiction was abolished in 1855 by 18 & 19 Vict. c. 41. See LIBEL 'SLANDER. Consult Odgers on Libel and Slander.

The act of a defaulter: Embezzlement or misappropriation of public or trust funds: Diminution, abatement, excision of any part of a customary allowance; a cutting off, a diminution by way of deficit.