Dēf'a-mā'tion, n.

n. [See DEFAME.] The taking from another's reputation; the act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the malicious uttering of falsehoods, or circulation of reports, tending to destroy the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion.

In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander. Burrill.