discredit

[dɪsˈkrɛdɪt]

discredit Definition

• 1. to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person
• 2. to 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

• defame
• denigrate
• belittle
• disparage
• smear

Antonyms for discredit

• validate
• endorse
• support

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.