Defamation
Pronunciation : Def`a*ma"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [OE. diffamacioun, F. diffamation. See Defame.]
Definition : Defn: 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.
Note: In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander. Burrill.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913