to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person, to damage the reputation of someone or something

Formal and Informal Expressions of discredit

In different contexts, you can replace 'discredit' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'tarnish, besmirch' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'trash, badmouth' is a commonplace synonym.

discredit: Explore its Definition & Usage

discredit Definition

1to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person
2to damage the reputation of someone or something

Using discredit: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "discredit" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The scandal discredited the politician and ruined his career.
Example
The evidence presented in court discredited the witness's testimony.
Example
The article was an attempt to discredit the company's reputation.
Example
The opposition party tried to discredit the government's policies.

discredit Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for discredit

Antonyms for discredit

Phrases with discredit

bring discredit upon
to do something that damages the reputation of oneself or others
Example
His behavior brought discredit upon himself and his family.
cast discredit on
to cause people to doubt or question the truth or value of something
Example
The report cast discredit on the effectiveness of the new drug.
discredit oneself
to behave in a way that makes people lose respect for oneself
Example
He discredited himself by lying about his qualifications.

Origins of discredit

from Latin 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'credere' meaning 'to believe'

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Summary: discredit in Brief

The verb 'discredit' [dɪsˈkrɛdɪt] means to damage the reputation of someone or something, causing people to stop respecting or believing in them. It is often used in legal or political contexts, as in 'The evidence presented in court discredited the witness's testimony.' Phrases like 'bring discredit upon' and 'cast discredit on' describe actions that damage reputations, while 'discredit oneself' refers to behaving in a way that causes others to lose respect.