detraction

[ dih-trak-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of disparaging or belittling the reputation or worth of a person, work, etc.

detraction

/ dɪˈtrækʃən /

noun

1. a person, thing, circumstance, etc, that detracts
2. the act of discrediting or detracting from another's reputation, esp by slander; disparagement

Word History and Origins

Origin of detraction¹

1300–50; Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Late Latin dētractiōn- (stem of dētractiō ), equivalent to Latin dētract ( us ) ( detract ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

There is one heavy detraction, however, from the excellence of the Avignonese climate.

From Project Gutenberg

Bunglers will not mend matters by blackening the great canvases they can't paint on, nor the impotent become males by detraction.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very absurd to consider criticism that is not always favourable, detraction.

From Project Gutenberg

There was not a word of detraction about any one—nothing to jar on one's impression of him as a refined, noble-hearted man.

From Project Gutenberg

A favorite method of detraction is illustrated by the familiar story (p. 266) of Columbus's egg.

From Project Gutenberg