liable vs libel

Definitions

adjective

1. (often followed by `to') likely to be affected with
2. held legally responsible
3. subject to legal action
4. at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant

Examples

Offenders may be liable to a heavy fine.

Advertisers pretending to be private individuals will be liable to prosecution.

These creatures have the reputation of being smelly, vicious, spiteful and unreliable.

View all examples

Definitions

noun

1. the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks
2. a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person

verb

1. print slanderous statements against

Examples

The abuse of libel laws is not imaginary.

In my judgment, grave though the libel is, and grave though the aggravation has been, the answer to that question is decisively no.

Dr Archer was memorably described as "fragrant" by Mr Justice Caulfield during her husband's 1987 libel trial against the Daily Star.

View all examples