discredit

[dis-kred-it]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of discredit¹

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

Example Sentences

Some critics interpreted the ads as a play on eugenics, the discredited belief that humanity could be improved through selective breeding.

From BBC

The measure declares that Mills “has on several occasions conducted himself in a manner that reflects discredit upon the House of Representatives.”

From Salon

But the authors of the rebuttal say the report misrepresents evidence, relies on discredited research and fails to follow the peer review process typically expected of rigorous scientific assessments, among other concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you ban burning the flag, you wholly discredit what it represents.”

From Salon

In her claim, Crowley alleges Bass and her subordinates have conducted a “public smear campaign aimed at discrediting Crowley’s character and decades of service,” following her dismissal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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