Libel is defined as:

Libel is indeed defined as a published false statement that damages a person's reputation. This definition encompasses the key elements of libel, which are the necessity for the statement to be both false and published—meaning it is shared with others and not just conveyed privately. The harm to a person's reputation occurs when such a statement misrepresents the individual and can lead to negative perceptions by others.

In contrast to spoken statements, which are called slander, libel specifically refers to written or published communications. This distinction is crucial in understanding how defamation laws differentiate between these two forms of defamation. A published statement could involve various media, such as newspapers, online articles, or books.

The other options incorrectly characterize libel or mix it with definitions that pertain to slander or opinion rather than fact. Thus, recognizing the correct components of libel is important for understanding legal definitions regarding defamation.