detractor

[ dih-trak-ter ]

noun

1. a person who tries to take away from the quality, value, or reputation of someone or something; critic:

   There were strong reactions after the film was screened in Israel, with the public divided between detractors and admirers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of detractor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin dētractor, equivalent to dētract(us) “drawn away” + -or -or ²( def ); detract ( def )

Example Sentences

Paul is also bringing a libel claim against one of his online detractors in the USA, for claims made about his motives.

From BBC

So maybe the naysayers and detractors of online gaming and its ill effects on youth need to stand down.

From Science Daily

Some of his detractors, he said, were “former disgruntled employees, competitors and less-than-ideal clients.”

From New York Times

Coupled with Trump's heated rhetoric comparing undocumented immigrants to “animals” and saying they are “poisoning the blood of our country,” detractors didn't need to reach too far to find parallels to Nazi Germany.

From Salon

A judge in Texas ordered the auction in September, and various groups – both Jones’s allies and detractors – had suggested they would bid for the company.

From BBC

Related Words

• critic