Spreading false information and attempting to damage someone's reputation is commonly referred to as defamation, which can be considered a civil wrong or a criminal offense, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the harm caused. Defamation involves making false statements about someone that harm their reputation, and it can be committed through spoken or written words, gestures, or even images.
Defamation can have serious consequences for the victim, including damage to their personal and professional reputation, loss of income or employment opportunities, and even emotional distress. In some cases, victims of defamation may pursue legal action against the individual responsible for spreading false information in order to seek compensation for damages caused.
It is important to be mindful of the impact our words and actions can have on others, and to ensure that any information we share is truthful and accurate. If you are unsure about the veracity of information you have received or are considering sharing, it is always a good idea to fact-check and seek out multiple sources before drawing conclusions or making any statements that could be harmful to others.