detractor

American  

[dih-trak-ter] / dɪˈtræk tər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of detractor

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

Example Sentences

His detractors say it shows he lacks the cunning, quick instincts of the best politicians.

From BBC

Other detractors have made similar points, and though exaggerated, the criticisms bear a germ of truth.

From The Wall Street Journal

His supporters and detractors alike agree that his power lies in how accessible and active he is.

From The Wall Street Journal

In fight week, he bristled at the mention of criticism, describing detractors as a "peanut gallery that doesn't exist" and insisting the question of whether he belongs no longer concerns him.

From BBC

What defines him instead are various quips, mordant jokes and accounts of bizarre behavior, many no doubt apocryphal, recorded by his admirers and detractors in the centuries after his death.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• critic