Defamed (7)
'defamed' is the definition.
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for libelled that I've seen before include "Published false and damaging material about someone" , "Denigrated" , "Defamed in print" , "Defamed in writing" , "Published false statements about a person" .)
'defamed' is the definition.
(maligning is a kind of defaming)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for maligned that I've seen before include "Unjustly slandered" , "Spoken ill of" , "Vilified" , "Defamed" , "Abused" .)
'defamed' is the definition.
('smear' can be a synonym of 'defame')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for smeared that I've seen before include "Wiped across" , "Daubed" , "Bedaubed" .)