dis·cred·it
(ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət 
discredited; discrediting; discredits
1
: to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve
discredit a rumor
2
: to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of
trying to discredit the claims of a rival
a discredited theory
1
: loss of credit (see credit entry 1 sense 3) or reputation
I knew stories to the discredit of England—
W. B. Yeats
W. B. Yeats2
: lack or loss of belief or confidence : doubt
contradictions cast discredit on his testimony
Examples of discredit in a Sentence
Verb
The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.
Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.
an attempt to discredit the governor
Noun
to his everlasting discredit, the coach was found to have placed bets against his own team
Recent Examples on the Web
Carl Burdette, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
The current page suggests this paper's explicit intention was to discredit the lab leak theory and remove any doubt that the origins were of natural origin.
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
To the credit of his players and the discredit of his critics, Cronin’s team has responded by turning things around and playing some of the most active and inspired basketball in the country.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discredit
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Verb
Biden’s actions continue to discredit the legitimacy of our judicial system.
—Carl Burdette, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
The current page suggests this paper's explicit intention was to discredit the lab leak theory and remove any doubt that the origins were of natural origin.
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
One Democrat voted with Republicans, to his discredit: Rep. Jose Alvarez of Kissimmee.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
To the credit of his players and the discredit of his critics, Cronin’s team has responded by turning things around and playing some of the most active and inspired basketball in the country.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discredit
Cite this Entry
“Discredit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discredit. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discredit
1 of 2 verb
dis·cred·it
(ˈ)dis-ˈkred-ət
1
: to refuse to accept as true or correct : disbelieve
discredit a rumor
2
: to cause to seem dishonest or untrue
discredit a witness
3
: to destroy the good reputation of : disgrace entry 1
involvement in the scandal discredited them
discreditable
adjective
-ə-bəl
discreditably
adverb
-blē
discredit
2 of 2 noun1
: loss of good name or respect
brought discredit on their family
2
: lack or loss of belief or confidence
bring a story into discredit
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