What is the term for defaming someone through written communication?

The correct term for defaming someone through written communication is libel. Libel specifically refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about an individual in a written format, which can include anything from printed articles to online posts. This form of defamation is considered particularly harmful because it can have a lasting presence, impacting an individual's reputation long after the original statement has been made.

Understanding libel is crucial in legal contexts, as it can lead to substantial consequences for the person making the false claims. It emphasizes the importance of accuracy and responsibility in written communication, especially in public forums or media.

The other terms, while related to issues of personal rights and reputation, do not refer specifically to written defamation. Fraud involves deception typically for personal gain, invasion of privacy pertains to trespassing into someone's personal life without consent, and slander involves verbal statements that harm someone's reputation.