What is defined as making a false statement about someone that causes harm?

Defamation refers to the act of making a false statement about someone that damages their reputation. In legal terms, defamation can take two forms: spoken statements, which are called slander, and written statements, known as libel. Therefore, when someone makes a false claim about another individual that leads to harm—such as damage to their reputation, emotional distress, or loss of opportunities—this is accurately classified as defamation. Understanding this definition is critical, as it underscores the importance of truthful communication, particularly in contexts such as journalism, social media, and personal interactions. The other options, while related to falsehoods and misrepresentation, do not specifically encapsulate the concept of harming someone through false statements about their character or actions.