Smear (Defamation)
A smear, or defamation, refers to the act of making false statements about an individual or organization that damage their reputation. This can occur through various means, such as spoken words, written statements, or even social media posts. The intent behind a smear is often to harm the target's credibility or standing in the community.
Defamation is typically categorized into two types: slander, which involves spoken statements, and libel, which involves written or published statements. Legal action can be taken against those who engage in smear campaigns, as victims may seek to restore their reputation and seek damages for the harm caused.