denigration

[ den-i-grey-shuhn ]

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.

Other Words From

• self-den·i·gra·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of denigration¹

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

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

Soon after the accusations of religious denigration, in a statement, the opening ceremony producers said, “For the ‘Festivities’ segment, Thomas Jolly took inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting to create the setting.

From Salon

The press — always identified as the “liberal media” — is now often seen, due to relentless denigration, as a force for evil, a malicious contestant on the other side.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• character assassination
• defamation