The difference between Libel and Vilify

When used as verbs, libel means to defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel, whereas vilify means to say defamatory things about someone or something.


Libel is also noun with the meaning: a written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.

check bellow for the other definitions of Libel and Vilify

  1. Libel as a noun (countable):

    A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.

  2. Libel as a noun (uncountable):

    The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.

  3. Libel as a noun (countable):

    Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.

  4. Libel as a noun (law, countable):

    A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.

  5. Libel as a noun (countable):

    A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Chaucer"

  1. Libel as a verb (transitive):

    To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.

    Examples:

    "He libelled her when he published that."

  2. Libel as a verb (legal):

    To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.

  1. Vilify as a verb (transitive):

    To say defamatory things about someone or something; to speak ill of.

  2. Vilify as a verb (transitive):

    To belittle through speech; to put down.