What term describes the act of written defamation?

The term that describes the act of written defamation is libel. Libel specifically refers to the dissemination of false statements in written form that damage an individual's reputation. This can include statements made in newspapers, online articles, or other written communications. The key aspect of libel is that it is not just harmful; it is also untrue, which can lead to serious consequences for the person being defamed.

In contrast, slander refers to verbal defamation, where harmful statements are made aloud rather than in written form. Assault relates to the act of threatening or attempting to physically harm someone, which does not pertain to defamation at all. Tortious interference describes a situation where one party unlawfully interferes with the contractual or business relationships of another party, and while it can result in reputational harm, it is not specifically about defamation.