A derogatory or damaging comment on a person's character or reputation; disparagement: The candidate responded sharply to the long list of detractions concocted by his opponent.
1340, from O.Fr. detractiun, from L. detractionem, from detrahere "take down, pull down, disparage," from de- "down" + trahere "to pull" (see tract (1)). The fem. form detractress is attested from 1716.