Which phrase best describes "defamation" in tort law?

Defamation in tort law refers specifically to the act of making false statements about an individual that harm their reputation. This concept hinges on the notion that if untrue statements are made publicly about someone, they can lead to a loss of respect or negatively impact how others view that person in society or their profession. The critical elements that define defamation include that the statements must be untrue (false) and must cause damage to the person's reputation.

The focus on false statements is essential because truthful statements, regardless of their impact on reputation, do not meet the criteria for defamation. Therefore, while statements impacting someone's reputation are indeed relevant to the broader theme of defamation, they must be demonstrably false to constitute a tort. This understanding aligns with the legal framework governing defamation, where the burden typically falls on the claimant to prove that the statements made against them are false and harmful.