discredit

American  

[dis-kred-it] / dɪsˈkrɛd ɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. to injure the credit or reputation of; defame.

   an effort to discredit honest politicians.

   Synonyms:

   undermine, tarnish, disgrace, disparage

2. to show to be undeserving of trust or belief; destroy confidence in.

   Later research discredited earlier theories.

3. to give no credence to; disbelieve.

   There was good reason to discredit the witness.

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noun

1. loss or lack of belief or confidence; disbelief; distrust.

   His theories met with general discredit.

2. loss or lack of repute or esteem; disrepute.

3. something that damages a good reputation.

   This behavior will be a discredit to your good name.

discredit British  

/ dɪsˈkrɛdɪt /

verb

1. to damage the reputation of

2. to cause to be disbelieved or distrusted

3. to reject as untrue or of questionable accuracy

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noun

1. a person, thing, or state of affairs that causes disgrace

2. damage to a reputation

3. lack of belief or confidence

Other Word Forms

• undiscredited adjective

Etymology

Origin of discredit

First recorded in 1550–60; dis- ¹ + credit

Example Sentences

The South African government has consistently rejected such claims as widely discredited and lacking reliable evidence.

From BBC

He added that Kelly's conduct "brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately".

From BBC

This is a notable and perhaps sobering parallel, but it does not necessarily discredit contemporary psychiatry, as Ms. Antonetta seems to imply.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chechen officials have consistently denied these allegations, complaining of fabrications aimed at discrediting the region.

From BBC

He added he believed there was an effort to "discredit" him among opposition groups on the council.

From BBC

Related Words

• defame
• degrade
• destroy
• disgrace
• disparage
• disprove
• ruin
• slander
• smear
• vilify