criminal defamation

noun

law : defamation that constitutes a crime (as because it was made maliciously) and is subject to criminal penalties

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminal defamation was in 1875

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Dictionary Entries Near criminal defamation

Cite this Entry

“Criminal defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminal%20defamation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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