detraction

de·trac·tion

noun \di-ˈtrak-shən, dē-\

Definition of DETRACTION

1

: a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : belittling, disparagement

2

: a taking away <it is no detraction from its dignity or prestige — J. F. Golay>

— de·trac·tive \-ˈtrak-tiv\ adjective

— de·trac·tive·ly adverb

Examples of DETRACTION

1. <her inevitable detraction of every new idea is annoying to the other club members>

First Known Use of DETRACTION

14th century

Related to DETRACTION

Synonyms: belittlement, denigration, deprecation, derogation, depreciation, diminishment, disparagement, put-down

Antonyms: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Related Words: aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification; derision, mockery, ridicule; abuse, invective, vituperation; censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation; de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling

Near Antonyms: acclaim, praise; approbation, approval, blessing, commendation; hype, puffery

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Rhymes with DETRACTION

abstraction, attraction, bolt-action, class action, compaction, contraction, cross action, diffraction, distraction, exaction, extraction, impaction, inaction, infraction, job action, live-action, olfaction, protraction, reaction, redaction, refraction, retraction, stop-action, subtraction, transaction