denigration

American  

[den-i-grey-shuhn] / ˌdɛn ɪˈgreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of speaking about someone or something in a belittling or damaging way; disparagement.

   Constructive discussion, including differing opinions, is welcomed, but no name-calling, insults, derogatory remarks, or denigrations will be tolerated.

2. an act or instance of treating something as if it had little value or importance.

   Implanting microchips in people is a denigration of human dignity.

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Other Word Forms

• self-denigration
  noun

Etymology

Origin of denigration

First recorded in 1605–15, for an earlier sense; from Latin dēnigrātiōn-, stem of dēnigrātiō “a blackening,” from dēnigrāre “to blacken”; see denigrate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Explanation

When you badmouth someone or talk scornfully about them (especially when they don't deserve it), that's denigration. If you practice denigration, shame on you! It's one thing to criticize people fairly, but when it's done in an unfair or unnecessarily hateful way, it's not criticism — it's denigration. The denigration of a public political figure is bad enough, but the denigration of ordinary people because of their religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or body size, for example, can even be illegal. Denigration is rooted in the Latin denigrare, meaning "to blacken."

Example Sentences

To which I shall only add, that whereas in these several Instances of Denigration, the Metalls are worn off, or otherwise Reduc'd into very Minute Parts, that Circumstance may prove not Unworthy your Notice.

From Experiments and Considerations Touching Colours (1664) by Boyle, Robert

Denigration, de-ni-grā′shun, n. a making or becoming black—esp. the blackening of a man's character.—v.t.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

• character assassination
• defamation