Which term describes verbal defamation of character?

The term that accurately describes verbal defamation of character is slander. Slander specifically refers to the act of making false spoken statements that damage a person's reputation. This form of defamation occurs through speech rather than in written form.

Libel, on the other hand, refers to defamation that is committed through written statements or visual representations. Understanding the distinction between these two forms of defamation is essential in the study of legal aspects surrounding communication and reputation.

Misdemeanor and battery refer to different types of legal violations—misdemeanor being a classification of crime and battery being an act of physical violence against another person. These terms are not related to the concept of defamation and do not pertain to the spoken or written slander of an individual’s character.