Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

discredit

 - 3 dictionary results

dis⋅cred⋅it

  [dis-kred-it]
Use discredit in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to injure the credit or reputation of; defame: an effort to discredit honest politicians.
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
4. loss or lack of belief or confidence; disbelief; distrust: His theories met with general discredit.
5. loss or lack of repute or esteem; disrepute.
6. something that damages a good reputation: This behavior will be a discredit to your good name.
Origin:
1550–60; dis- 1 + credit

Synonyms:
1. disparage, disgrace, tarnish, undermine.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To discredit
dis·cred·it   (dĭs-krěd'ĭt)   
tr.v.   dis·cred·it·ed, dis·cred·it·ing, dis·cred·its

  1. To damage in reputation; disgrace.

  2. To cause to be doubted or distrusted.

  3. To refuse to believe.

n.  

  1. Loss of or damage to one's reputation.

  2. Lack or loss of trust or belief; doubt.

  3. Something damaging to one's reputation or stature.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

discredit 
1559, from dis- "opposite of" + credit.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see discredit on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way