discredit

[ dis-kred-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to injure the credit or reputation of; defame:

   an effort to discredit honest politicians.

   Synonyms: undermine, tarnish, disgrace, disparage

2. to show to be undeserving of trust or belief; destroy confidence in:

   Later research discredited earlier theories.

3. to give no credence to; disbelieve:

   There was good reason to discredit the witness.

noun

1. loss or lack of belief or confidence; disbelief; distrust:

   His theories met with general discredit.

2. loss or lack of repute or esteem; disrepute.
3. something that damages a good reputation:

   This behavior will be a discredit to your good name.

discredit

/ dɪsˈkrɛdɪt /

verb

1. to damage the reputation of
2. to cause to be disbelieved or distrusted
3. to reject as untrue or of questionable accuracy

noun

1. a person, thing, or state of affairs that causes disgrace
2. damage to a reputation
3. lack of belief or confidence

Other Words From

• undis·credit·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discredit¹

First recorded in 1550–60; dis- ¹ + credit

Example Sentences

Asked about the incident for the latest issue of Vanity Fair, Sweeney said: "It’s very disheartening to see women tear other women down, especially when women who are successful in other avenues of their industry see younger talent working really hard - hoping to achieve whatever dreams that they may have - and then trying to bash and discredit any work that they’ve done."

From BBC

During election season, expect to hear Republicans peddle falsehoods about abortion to discredit it and demonize the people who provide or support it.

From Los Angeles Times

But one theory is that the leaks were a way to discredit the man at the centre of the storm.

From BBC

Those in the elite are thought to know things about each other that they would rather was not made public, and videos have been used in the past to humiliate and discredit a political opponent.

From BBC

“My family didn’t do it, but many families under pressure do, thinking it’s the best way to protect their loved ones. This is how the Islamic Republic tries to discredit women, by questioning their mental health,” she added.

From BBC

Related Words

• defame
• degrade
• destroy
• disgrace
• disparage
• disprove
• ruin
• slander
• smear
• vilify