discredit

B2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /dɪsˈkɹed.ɪt/ UK /dɪsˈkɹɛd.ɪt/ See IPA manual

Freq #17660

Meanings

1

verb
To damage the good reputation of someone or something.

Usage: Discredit takes a direct object: discredit a witness, claim, or explanation. It concerns loss of reputation or credibility, which can result from either valid evidence or an unfair attack.

The forged photograph was an attempt to discredit the researcher.

The article tried to discredit the scientist's research.
2

verb
To make an idea or claim seem false or unreliable.

New evidence has discredited the original theory.
3

noun
The state of being seen as bad, dishonest, or unworthy of respect.

His actions brought discredit on the whole organization.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to damage the good... disgrace defame

2 verb · to make an idea or claim... disprove invalidate

3 noun · the state of being seen as... disrepute

Word family

Forms discrediteddiscreditingdiscredits

Derived forms discreditablediscreditor

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

bring discredit
to cause a person or group to lose respect or reputation

Verb + noun

Etymology

Formed from dis- and credit. Through credit, it belongs to the Latin crēdere family of belief and trust.

*ḱerd- Proto-Indo-European credere Latin

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# discredit

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** verb, noun
**IPA (US):** /dɪsˈkɹed.ɪt/
**IPA (UK):** /dɪsˈkɹɛd.ɪt/
**Frequency rank:** 17660

## Meanings
1. To damage the good reputation of someone or something.
2. To make an idea or claim seem false or unreliable.
3. The state of being seen as bad, dishonest, or unworthy of respect.

## Usage Notes
- To damage the good reputation of someone or something.: Discredit takes a direct object: discredit a witness, claim, or explanation. It concerns loss of reputation or credibility, which can result from either valid evidence or an unfair attack.

## Examples
- The forged photograph was an attempt to discredit the researcher.
- The article tried to discredit the scientist's research.
- New evidence has discredited the original theory.
- His actions brought discredit on the whole organization.

## Derived Forms
- discreditable
- discreditor

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: *ḱerd-
- Root: credere - to believe

## Etymology
Formed from dis- and credit. Through credit, it belongs to the Latin crēdere family of belief and trust.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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