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”; denigrate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

"If you're constantly experiencing some kind of denigration, some kind of verbal violence towards you, it's a micro-aggression - and micro-aggressions can be traumatic," says Gervis.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Mr. Woodard’s book is a brilliant contribution to this denigration effort.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Laughter is a sudden, spasmodic expulsion air, but, at the same time, it is adjacent to other, more concerning practices of expulsion and denigration.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2024

The Scandinavian nation has been viewed abroad as a place that facilitates insults and denigration of the cultures, religions and traditions of other countries.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

But if I’d been letting my dreams get away from me and dreamed about Javi and me, who’s to say other people’s thoughts didn’t get away from them—but not with affection, with a denigration.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Related Words

• character assassination
• defamation