detractor

[dih-trak-ter]

noun

1. a person who tries to take away from the quality, value, or reputation of someone or something; critic.

   There were strong reactions after the film was screened in Israel, with the public divided between detractors and admirers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of detractor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin dētractor, equivalent to dētract(us) “drawn away” + -or -or ² ( def. ); detract ( def. )

Example Sentences

But Nvidia was a major detractor to the index’s performance in November, he noted.

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The scenery now shifts to the vital home game against Fulham - where Frank must again convince his detractors he has foundations to build on.

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Robinhood’s detractors say it is encouraging a gambling culture in markets.

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But Hasina has long been accused of enacting repressive authoritarian measures against her political opponents, detractors and the media - a remarkable turnaround for a leader who once fought for multi-party democracy.

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Inside the White House, Pulte’s idiosyncrasies have earned him some detractors.

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Related Words

• critic