discredit

¹dis·cred·it

transitive verb \(ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət\

Definition of DISCREDIT

1

: to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve <discredit a rumor>

2

: to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of <a discredited theory>

3

: to deprive of good repute : disgrace <personal attacks meant to discredit his opponent>

Examples of DISCREDIT

1. The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.
2. Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.
3. an attempt to discredit the governor

First Known Use of DISCREDIT

1559

Related to DISCREDIT

Synonyms

abase, chasten, cheapen, debase, degrade, demean, humble, disgrace, dishonor, foul, humiliate, lower, shame, sink, smirch, take down

Antonyms

aggrandize, canonize, deify, elevate, exalt

Related Words

abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle; belittle, castigate, criticize, cry down, decry, depreciate, detract, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, ridicule, write off; bad-mouth, defame, defile, libel, malign, slander; affront, insult; censure, condemn, damn, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Near Antonyms

acclaim, applaud, boast, celebrate, cheer, cite, commend, compliment, congratulate, decorate, eulogize, extol (also extoll), fete (or fête), hail, honor, laud, praise, salute, tout; acknowledge, recognize; highlight, play up, spotlight; dignify, ennoble, enshrine, ensky, enthrone, glorify, magnify; advance, boost, lift, promote, raise, upgrade, uplift; idealize, romanticize

Rhymes with DISCREDIT

accredit, noncredit, reedit, subedit

²discredit

noun

Definition of DISCREDIT

1

: loss of credit or reputation <I knew stories to the discredit of England — W. B. Yeats>

2

: lack or loss of belief or confidence : doubt <contradictions cast discredit on his testimony>

Examples of DISCREDIT

1. <to his everlasting discredit, the coach was found to have placed bets against his own team>

First Known Use of DISCREDIT

1565

Related to DISCREDIT

Synonyms

disgrace, disesteem, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame

Antonyms

esteem, honor, respect

Related Words

scandal; contempt, despite, disdain, scorn; deprecation, disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor; abasement, debasement, debasing, degradation, dust, humbling, humiliation; blot, brand, shadow, slur, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint

Near Antonyms

admiration, appreciation, estimation, regard; awe, fear, reverence; fame, glory, renown, repute