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

What detractors ignore is how the Dodgers aren’t the only team that spent big dollars this year to chase a title.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was instead created through a donation from the Swedish central bank in 1968, leading detractors to dub it "a false Nobel".

Read more on Barron's

In between are familiar topics from Ms. Swift—the search for true love, the desire for acceptance, and the cathartic thrill of putting your detractors in their place.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His detractors accuse him of ruling from his native village of Mvomekaa, in the south.

Read more on Barron's

The president says he is delivering on campaign pledges to restore public safety, but detractors say he’s attempting to intimidate and provoke Democratic strongholds, while distracting the nation from his various controversies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• critic