detract

1 of 2

verb

de·​tract di-ˈtrakt 

dē-

detracted; detracting; detracts

intransitive verb

: to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something

—often used with from

small errors that do not seriously detract from the book

transitive verb

1

: divert

didn't mean to detract attention from the guest of honor

2

archaic : to speak ill of

3

archaic : to take away

detractor

di-ˈtrak-tər 

dē-

noun

detractor

2 of 2

noun

de·​trac·​tor -ktə(r) 

plural -s

: one that detracts especially habitually : derogator, defamer, calumniator

Synonyms of detract

Verb

• divert
• throw off

Examples of detract in a Sentence

Verb

numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But that shouldn’t detract, with perspective in order. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026

The neutral tone doesn’t detract attention from her gown, flying under the radar while still adding a sophisticated element to her outfit. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 June 2026

While some surfaces feel suitably premium, harder plastics around the centre console and lower cabin areas detract slightly from the otherwise upmarket impression. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

So another winner wouldn’t detract at all from the big show. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English detracten "to speak ill of, slander," in part borrowed from Latin dētractus, past participle of dētrahere "to detach by pulling, strip off, pull down, deprive of, speak ill (of)," from dē- de- + trahere "to drag, draw, take along"; in part borrowed from Latin dētractāre, dētrectāre "to decline, evade, speak or write disparagingly of," iterative of dētrahere — more at abstract entry 1

Noun

Middle English detractour, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French detracteur, from Latin detractor, from detractus + -or

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing detract

• detract from

Rhymes for detract

• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked
• impact
• intact

Kids Definition

detract

verb

de·​tract di-ˈtrakt 

: to take away some of the value or importance

detract from a person's reputation

detraction

-ˈtrak-shən

noun

detractive

-ˈtrak-tiv

adjective

detractively adverb

detractor

-ˈtrak-tər 

noun