Which term refers to spoken defamation?

The term that refers to spoken defamation is slander. Slander involves making false spoken statements that can harm someone's reputation. In a legal context, slander is considered a form of defamation, specifically when the damaging statements are communicated verbally rather than in written form.

This distinction is significant because defamation encompasses both slander and libel, with libel referring to written or published defamatory statements. Understanding this difference is crucial for legal matters related to personal reputation and the consequences of false statements made by individuals.

Further clarifying the other terms: battery refers to the unlawful physical act against another person, while malpractice typically relates to professional negligence in fields such as medicine or law. These terms do not pertain to the concept of defamation, which is critical in understanding issues surrounding personal and professional reputations.