What does defamation refer to?

Defamation specifically refers to the action of harming someone’s reputation through false statements or misrepresentations. This can occur through two primary forms: slander, which involves spoken statements, and libel, which involves written statements. The key aspect of defamation is that the statements made must be false and damaging to the individual's reputation. This legal concept is important for understanding the balance between free speech and protecting individuals from falsehoods that could adversely affect their reputation and livelihood.

The other options focus on actions that do not relate to harming reputation. Praising someone publicly emphasizes positive recognition, while correcting misinformation involves clarifying or disputing incorrect information. Advocating for someone's rights is about support and representation, which is unrelated to the concept of reputation harm.