discredit

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To harm the good reputation of (a person).

   • The candidate tried to discredit his opponent.
2. 2

   To cause (an idea or piece of evidence) to seem false or unreliable.

   • The evidence would tend to discredit such a theory.
   • Many of our correspondents participated in the discussion, and the upshot was that the alleged record was discredited.
3. 3

   Discrediting or disbelieving.

   • Mr. Burton disbelieves it, and has brought sufficient reasons for his discredit of so improbable a story.
   • Madan encouraged many believers in the supremacy of justice to struggle for human rights within the established systems in order to purify the image of the national institutions against any discredits by biased and unjust people.
4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A person or thing that causes harm to a reputation, as of a person, family, or…

      A person or thing that causes harm to a reputation, as of a person, family, or institution.

      • […] that now and then a young man of that profession did actually appear among us, who was not a discredit to his country.
   2. 5

      The state of being discredited or disbelieved.

      • Later accounts have brought the story into discredit.
   3. 6

      A degree of dishonour or disesteem

      A degree of dishonour or disesteem; ill repute; reproach.

      • It is the duty of every Christian to be concerned for the reputation or discredit his life may bring on his profession.

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