The word "difamar" is a verb in Spanish.
/difaˈmaɾ/
"difamar" means to speak or write about someone in a way that is damaging to their reputation. It is used to describe actions where false information is disseminated with the intent to harm someone’s credibility or honor.
The frequency of use of "difamar" is moderate; it commonly appears in both oral and written contexts, especially in legal discussions, journalism, and social commentary. The term is more prevalent in formal discourse due to its legal implications, such as in cases of defamation.
El periodista fue demandado por difamar a un político en su artículo.
(The journalist was sued for defaming a politician in his article.)
Es fácil difamar a alguien en las redes sociales sin pruebas.
(It is easy to defame someone on social media without proof.)
La empresa tomó acciones legales contra aquellos que intentaron difamar su imagen.
(The company took legal action against those who tried to defame its image.)
While "difamar" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it is a crucial part of discussions related to honor, reputation, and legal matters. Below are some expressions that can relate to the concept of defamation:
Difamar a alguien sin pruebas
(To defame someone without evidence)
Esta práctica es injusta y puede tener consecuencias legales.
(This practice is unfair and can have legal consequences.)
Difamación maliciosa
(Malicious defamation)
La difamación maliciosa puede arruinar vidas y carreras.
(Malicious defamation can ruin lives and careers.)
No se debe difamar a alguien
(One should not defame someone)
No se debe difamar a alguien solo por envidia.
(One should not defame someone just out of jealousy.)
The word "difamar" is derived from the Latin term "diffamare," which combines "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "asunder") and "fama" (meaning "fame" or "reputation"). Thus, "difamar" literally translates to "to make someone's reputation apart" or "to disperse negative information about someone."