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
Phrases with discredit
Example
His behavior brought discredit upon himself and his family.
Example
The report cast discredit on the effectiveness of the new drug.
Example
He discredited himself by lying about his qualifications.
Origins of discredit
from Latin 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'credere' meaning 'to believe'
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.