discredit

¹dis·cred·it

verb \(ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət\

Definition of DISCREDIT

transitive verb

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

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Rhymes with DISCREDIT

accredit, noncredit, reedit, subedit