Scandal I believe is somewhat defamatory … (5)
I believe the answer is:
libel
'scandal i believe is somewhat defamatory' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'scandal i believe is somewhat' is the wordplay.
'is somewhat' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'LIBEL' is hidden in the letters of 'scandal i believe'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for libel that I've seen before include "Crime of publishing false statement that damages reputation" , "Slanderous statements in print" , "false report" , "A published false statement that damages someone" , "Calumnious writing" .)