| English Dictionary |
LIBELLOUS
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Dictionary entry overview: What does libellous mean?
• LIBELLOUS (adjective)
The adjective LIBELLOUS has 1 sense:
1. (used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign
Familiarity information: LIBELLOUS used as an adjective is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
(used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign
Synonyms:
calumniatory; calumnious; defamatory; denigrating; denigrative; denigratory; libellous; libelous; slanderous
Similar:
harmful (causing or capable of causing harm)
Derivation:
libel (a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person)
Context examples
I really thought it was all over with Mr. Omer, after he had uttered this libellous pleasantry.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
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