Libel, defamation, and slander all involve the intentional spreading of untrue statements about a person to harm their reputation. Libel refers to untrue statements that are published, while slander involves untrue oral statements. Defamation is a broad term that includes both libel and slander. Though similar, libel involves written untrue statements, slander involves spoken untrue statements, and defamation is an overarching term that includes both. The key aspects are that the statements are untrue and intended to damage a person's reputation.