top definitions
related content
examples

libelous

[ lahy-buh-luh s ]

/ ˈlaɪ bə ləs /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR libelous ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

containing, constituting, or involving a libel; maliciously defamatory.

Also especially British, li·bel·lous.

Origin of libelous

First recorded in 1610–20; libel + -ous

OTHER WORDS FROM libelous

li·bel·ous·ly; especially British, li·bel·lous·ly, adverb non·li·bel·ous, adjective non·li·bel·ous·ly, adverb un·li·bel·lous, adjective

un·li·bel·lous·ly, adverb un·li·bel·ous, adjective un·li·bel·ous·ly, adverb

Words nearby libelous

libelant, libelee, libeler, libellant, libellee, libelous, liber, liber extra, libera, liberace, liberal

Example sentences from the Web for libelous

He was charged with adultery, and the foul beast who made the charge was forced to pay a heavy fine for his libelous assault.

Thomas Paine, The Apostle of Liberty |John E. Remsburg
"If he backs up Madame Sennier in her libelous remarks it will be proclaiming that he can be bribed," exclaimed Charmian.

The Way of Ambition |Robert Hichens
Archer was so insolent, seditious, and libelous that he only escaped the halter by the interposition of Newport.

Captain John Smith |Charles Dudley Warner
If it is libelous, then the writer and the publisher should both be held responsible in damages.

The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 11 (of 12) |Robert G. Ingersoll

Again the country newspapers were filled with libelous paragraphs.

James Fenimore Cooper |Thomas R. Lounsbury