noun

die Verleumdung, -en

defamation · slander

Definition & meaning

Verleumdung refers to the act of spreading false statements about a person or an organization with the intent to damage their reputation or make them appear contemptible in the eyes of the public. In a legal context, specifically under German criminal law (§ 187 StGB), it is a punishable offense. It differs from other forms of defamation because the person spreading the information must know that the statements are false.

In English, the word is most commonly translated as "slander" (when spoken) or "libel" (when written), or generally as "defamation."

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a feminine noun. Its plural form is "die Verleumdungen."

It is derived from the verb verleumden . Historically, it stems from the Middle High German word "verliumden," which is related to the noun Leumund . The term "Leumund" refers to a person's reputation or "what is said about someone." The prefix "ver-" often indicates a negative or destructive action, so "verleumden" literally means to turn someone's reputation into something bad through false talk.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

üble Nachrede [?](vocabuo://word/üble Nachrede): This is a similar legal term, though it applies even if the speaker doesn't necessarily know the statement is false, as long as it cannot be proven true.
Rufmord : A more dramatic term meaning "character assassination."
Diskreditierung : The act of bringing someone into disrepute.
Verunglimpfung : A general term for disparagement or denigration.
Ehrverletzung : An injury to someone's honor.

Antonyms: