What does slander refer to?

Slander refers specifically to the act of making false statements about someone in a verbal format that can harm their reputation. This form of defamation occurs when an individual knowingly communicates untrue information that can damage the character or credibility of another person. The key aspect of slander is that it is spoken rather than written, distinguishing it from libel, which involves written false statements.

Understanding slander is crucial in various contexts, especially in law and communication, as it relates to the protection of individuals' reputations and the potential legal consequences of disseminating false information. The concept emphasizes the importance of verifying information before speaking about others to avoid damaging their reputation unfairly.