denigrate

/ˈdɛnɪgreɪt/

/ˈdɛnɪgreɪt/

Other forms: denigrating; denigrated; denigrates

To denigrate is to say bad things — true or false — about a person or thing. Your reputation as a math whiz might be hurt if your jealous classmate manages to denigrate you, even though the accusations are unfounded.

The verb denigrate comes from the Latin word denigrare, which means “to blacken.” To sully or defame someone’s reputation, or to spread negative or hurtful information about a company or a situation, is to denigrate it. Your neighbors may denigrate your proposal for mandatory recycling in an attempt to stop your plan. Denigrate can also mean that you're making something seem less important, like when your brother tries to denigrate your athletic achievements.

Definitions of denigrate

1. verb

   charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
   synonyms: asperse, besmirch, calumniate, defame, slander, smear, smirch, sully

   types:

   assassinate

   destroy or damage seriously, as of someone's reputation

   libel

   print slanderous statements against

   badmouth, drag through the mud, malign, traduce

   speak unfavorably about

   type of:

   accuse, charge

   blame for, make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against
2. verb

   cause to seem lesser or inferior
   synonyms: belittle, derogate, minimize

   types:

   talk down

   belittle through talk

   type of:

   belittle, disparage, pick at

   express a negative opinion of