Definition

A person who makes false statements about someone in order to damage their reputation, usually in written form.

Example

The journalist was sued for being a libelist after publishing false information about the politician.

Conversation

Did you hear about that article that accused him of cheating?

Yeah, I read it — the author really acted like a libelist.

It's crazy how people can just write false things without proof.

I know, right? It makes you wonder how often this happens.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'libelist' is derived from 'libel' (from Latin 'libellum', meaning a little book or written document) and the suffix '-ist' (meaning a person who practices or is concerned with something). A libelist is a person who engages in the act of writing or publishing a libel, which is a false statement that damages someone's reputation.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'libel' as a written statement that can harm someone, and the '-ist' means a person involved in that action. So, a libelist is someone who writes harmful statements.

Visually Confused Words