DEFAMATORY STATEMENT

defamatory statement.A statement that tends to injure the reputation of a person referred to in

it.  •  The  statement  is  likely  to  lower  that  person  in  the  estimation  of  reasonable  people  and  in

particular to cause that person to be regarded with feelings of hatred, contempt, ridicule, fear, or

dislike.  —  Also  termed  defamatory  communication.  [Cases:  Libel  and  Slander    6–14.  C.J.S.

Libel and Slander; Injurious Falsehood§§ 2, 5, 10–12, 17–42, 104.] [Blacks Law 8th]