IPA: //ˈslændər//
KK: /ˈslændɚ/
To make false spoken statements about someone that damage their reputation.
He was accused of slandering his former business partner.
Past: slandered
Past Participle: slandered
A spoken statement that is not true and is meant to harm someone's reputation.
He filed a lawsuit for slander after the rumors spread about him.
To make false spoken statements about someone that damage their reputation.
He was accused of trying to slander his opponent during the election campaign.
Past: slandered
Past Participle: slandered
Slander → It is derived from the Old French word *esclandre* (meaning scandal or reproach), which in turn comes from the Latin *sclāndrum* (meaning a cause of reproach). The word 'slander' refers to making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation.
Think of the Old French word for scandal, which helps you remember that slander involves making damaging statements about someone.