📖 Biblical Definition
To defame someone is to bear false witness — a direct violation of the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). Proverbs teaches that "a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1), and to destroy someone's name through falsehood is a form of theft. The Pharisees defamed Christ, calling Him demon-possessed. Defamation is the weapon of those who cannot defeat truth with truth.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The act of injuring another's reputation by false and malicious statements; calumny; slander.
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DEFAMA'TION, n. The act of defaming; the act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral. Webster understood defamation as a serious moral offense.
📖 Key Scripture
• Exodus 20:16 — "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
• Proverbs 22:1 — "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches."
• Psalm 101:5 — "Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern defamation culture destroys reputations through social media mob justice without due process.
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In the age of social media, defamation has been democratized and accelerated. Cancel culture is systematized defamation: the coordinated destruction of a person's reputation without due process, evidence, or the opportunity to respond. The biblical standard requires multiple witnesses and careful investigation. Modern mob justice requires nothing but a viral post.
Usage
• "The ninth commandment prohibits the destruction of your neighbor's reputation through false witness in any setting."
• "Cancel culture is defamation industrialized — the systematic destruction of a person's good name without evidence or defense."