Dictionary.com

denigrate

[ den-i-greyt ]
/ ˈdɛn ɪˌgreɪt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: denigrate / denigrating on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), den·i·grat·ed, den·i·grat·ing.
to speak damagingly of; criticize in a derogatory manner; sully; defame: to denigrate someone's character.
to treat or represent as lacking in value or importance; belittle; disparage: to denigrate someone's contributions to a project.
Archaic. to make black; darken: rain clouds denigrating the sky.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of denigrate

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dēnigrātus (past participle of dēnigrāre “to blacken”), equivalent to dē- de- + nigr(āre) “to make black” + -ātus -ate1

synonym study for denigrate

1. See decry.

OTHER WORDS FROM denigrate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to denigrate

besmirch, defame, disparage, impugn, slander, vilify, asperse, blacken, blister, calumniate, decry, knock, libel, revile, roast, scandalize, traduce, bad mouth, dis, put down

British Dictionary definitions for denigrate

denigrate
/ (ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt) /
verb
(tr) to belittle or disparage the character of; defame
a rare word for blacken

Derived forms of denigrate

denigration, noundenigrator, noun

Word Origin for denigrate

C16: from Latin dēnigrāre to make very black, defame, from nigrāre to blacken, from niger black
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK