de·fam·a·to·ry \də̇ˈfaməˌtōrē, dēˈ-, -ȯr-, -ri\adjective Etymology: alteration (influenced by defame) (I) of earlier diffamatory, from Medieval Latin diffamatorius, from Latin diffamatus + -orius -ory : containing defamation : injurious to reputation : calumnious