Defamation (also known as Defamations, Calumny): Public false statements that are illegal and damaging to the reputation of a person, group, business, organization, or institution.

NIH MeSH · D000067448Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena

Defamation

Also known asDefamations · Calumny · Calumnies · Vilification · Vilifications · Slander · Libel · Libels

Definition

Public false statements that are illegal and damaging to the reputation of a person, group, business, organization, or institution.

MeSH classification

  • I01.198.240.240
  • I01.880.735.191.051

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Common questions about Defamation

What does Defamation mean in medicine?
Public false statements that are illegal and damaging to the reputation of a person, group, business, organization, or institution. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Defamation known by any other names?
Yes. Defamation is also referred to as Defamations, Calumny, Calumnies, Vilification in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Defamation sit in the medical classification?
Defamation falls under the broader medical category "Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: I01.198.240.240, I01.880.735.191.051). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Defamation?
For a plain-language explanation of Defamation - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Defamation" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000067448) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗