denigration

American  

[den-i-grey-shuhn] / ˌdɛn ɪˈgreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of speaking about someone or something in a belittling or damaging way; disparagement.

   Constructive discussion, including differing opinions, is welcomed, but no name-calling, insults, derogatory remarks, or denigrations will be tolerated.

2. an act or instance of treating something as if it had little value or importance.

   Implanting microchips in people is a denigration of human dignity.

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Other Word Forms

• self-denigration noun

Etymology

Origin of denigration

First recorded in 1605–15, for an earlier sense; from Latin dēnigrātiōn-, stem of dēnigrātiō “a blackening,” from dēnigrāre “to blacken”; denigrate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mr. Woodard’s book is a brilliant contribution to this denigration effort.

From The Wall Street Journal

At least back then, the verbal denigration was being done under the president’s war powers.

From Salon

Laughter is a sudden, spasmodic expulsion air, but, at the same time, it is adjacent to other, more concerning practices of expulsion and denigration.

From Salon

He even tried to joke that he's "got nothing against cats," which the Harris campaign correctly pointed out means that he is still standing by his denigration of people who have no biological children.

From Salon

Given that Jewish Americans have historically voted Democratic, Trump has found a way to put his finger on the Achilles heel of a Jewish community witnessing the denigration of the only Jewish and democratic state.

From Salon

Related Words

• character assassination
• defamation