Discredit

Quick meaning: Discredit is a verb meaning (transitive) To harm the good reputation of (a person).

Meaning

(transitive) To harm the good reputation of (a person).

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To cause (an idea or piece of evidence) to seem false or unreliable.
2. (countable or uncountable) Discrediting or disbelieving.
3. (countable) A person or thing that causes harm to a reputation, as of a person, family, or institution.
4. (uncountable) The state of being discredited or disbelieved.
5. (uncountable) A degree of dishonour or disesteem; ill repute; reproach.

Example Sentences

The candidate tried to discredit his opponent.

The evidence would tend to discredit such a theory.

Mr. Burton disbelieves it, and has brought sufficient reasons for his discredit of so improbable a story.

Many of our correspondents participated in the discussion, and the upshot was that the alleged record was discredited.

Word Forms

• discredits
• discrediting
• discredited

Synonyms for discredit

Depending on context, synonyms include demerit, demean, disgrace, dishonour, abase, debase.

Antonyms for discredit

Common opposites include believe, repute, reputation.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include disgrace, disrepute, disbelieve, denigrate, slander, vilify.

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