The correct answer is (A) To defame; to dishonor; to make or publish a false written statement that is damaging to someone's reputation, to make false and malicious statements about someone by written or printed words, pictures, or any form, except gesture or spoken word.

Libel comes from Latin liber (book) and Old French libel (a little book).

Examples of use:

• The newspaper columnist inadvertently libeled the building inspector.
• The contents of his letter libeled the outgoing Governor.