discredits; discredited; discrediting
1
: to cause (someone or something) to seem dishonest or untrue
The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.
Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.
2
: to damage the reputation of (someone)
an attempt to discredit the governor
: loss of reputation or respect
—often used with bring
His criminal activities brought discredit on/upon/to his family.
This scandal has brought the whole enterprise into lasting discredit.
Note: Something that is to your discredit causes people to have a less favorable opinion of you.
Cite this Entry
“Discredit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/discredit. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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