denigrate — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To criticize so as to besmirch; traduce, disparage or defame.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   badmouthbesmirchslander

   Examples

   What grand engines they were! Yet I have noticed a disposition on the part of quite a diversity of present-day commentators to denigrate those engines.

   More examples (1)

   Although in public Soviet officials tend to denigrate the French electric locomotives imported recently, there is little doubt that lessons learnt from these engines will be incorporated in new Russian designs.

2. To treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   banalizedeprecatemake light of

   Examples

   You have no right to denigrate people and things that you have no personal experience with.

3. To blacken.

   Usage

   • Rare
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   blackforswartnigrify

Adjective

1. Blackened.

   Usage

   • Transitive

Verb

1. cause to seem less serious; play down

   Synonyms

   minimizebelittlederogate

   Broader terms

   disparagebelittlepick at

   Examples

   Don't belittle his influence

2. charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

   Synonyms

   defameslandersmirchaspersecalumniatesmearsullybesmirch

   Broader terms

   chargeaccuse

   Examples

   The journalists have defamed me!

   The article in the paper sullied my reputation