discredit
dis-KRED-it
/dɪsˈkred.ɪt/
To harm the reputation of someone or cause an idea, source, or claim to be doubted or disbelieved.
Focuses on damaging authority or credibility. When you discredit someone, you ruin their trustworthiness in the eyes of the public.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'credere' (meaning to believe or trust, as in 'credible' or 'credit'). Adding 'dis-' strips away that trust, transforming the word into 'destroying the belief in something'.
Word relationships
- impugn: To call into question the truth, validity, or motives of a statement or person.
- tarnish: Focuses on dulling or ruining a good reputation.
- endorse: To publicly declare support or approval for.
- validate: To confirm the authority or accuracy of.
Commonly confused with
- debunk: Discrediting damages reputation or trust; debunking disproves specific false claims.
Word family
- discreditable (adjective): Tending to bring harm to reputation.
- discredited (adjective): No longer believed or respected.
Collocations
- discredit a witness
- discredit a theory
- attempt to discredit
- fall into discredit
Idioms & expressions
- cast aspersions on
- drag through the mud
Example sentences
- "The opponent launched a series of personal attacks designed to discredit the lead researcher's integrity." Political Campaigning
- "Subsequent laboratory trials effectively discredited the original study's flawed conclusions." Academic Research
Memory hook
DIS-CREDIT removes their CREDibility. Stripping away trustworthiness or authority.
When not to use
Avoid using for inanimate objects or mechanical errors where trust or credibility is not at stake.
Fun facts
- In legal cross-examination, a defense lawyer's main job with a prosecution witness is often to 'discredit' their testimony.
Related words
Explore more words
disgraced, impeach, credibility, denigration, disparage, traduce
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