defame
/dɪˈfeɪm/
Group 33Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To damage the good reputation of; to slander or libel GRE
Example in Context
The court found that the article had been written with the specific intent to defame the plaintiff and awarded substantial damages.
Synonyms
trash-talkslandersmear
Etymology
To bring down someone’s fame or reputation.
- de- (Latin) — down
- fama (Latin) — fame
Memory Aid
🕵️♂️Sounds like “defame”
A sneaky detective DEFAMES a celebrity by spreading rumors that she’s a secret llama!
Visual Association
👎A star on a Hollywood Walk of Fame has mud thrown on it, symbolizing a tarnished reputation.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “defame” mean on the GRE?
defame (verb) means “To damage the good reputation of; to slander or libel”. The court found that the article had been written with the specific intent to defame the plaintiff and awarded substantial damages.
How to remember “defame” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “defame” sounds like “defame”. A sneaky detective DEFAMES a celebrity by spreading rumors that she’s a secret llama!
What are synonyms for “defame”?
Common synonyms: trash-talk, slander, smear.