Discredit: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when you want to talk about harming someone's reputation or making people doubt something.

• The scandal could discredit the entire administration.
• His testimony was meant to discredit the witness.

Use this word when you want to criticize someone or something in a way that shows you think they are of little worth.

• Politicians often disparage their opponents during debates.
• He did not miss a chance to disparage my proposal.

Use this word when you want to describe speaking about someone or something as if they are not important.

• She tried to belittle his achievements.
• Don't belittle her efforts; she worked really hard.

Use this word in a serious or formal context when discussing causing someone to lose respect or have a bad reputation.

• His actions brought dishonor on his family.
• To dishonor an agreement can lead to loss of trust.

Use this word in legal or formal contexts when referring to making false statements that damage someone's reputation.

• The celebrity filed a lawsuit for slander against the tabloid.
• Spreading slanderous rumors can be harmful.

Used when you want to damage someone's reputation or believability.

• The reporter sought to discredit the politician by highlighting his past scandals.
• The theory was discredited after new evidence emerged.

Appropriate when pointing out that something (e.g., a myth or idea) is not true or when exposing false information.

• Scientists worked to debunk the myth that you can catch a cold from cold weather.
• The documentary aims to debunk common misconceptions about diet and health.

Relevant when proving something wrong or false, specifically an argument or claim, often with evidence or logic.

• The scientist provided data to refute the claims made by his critics.
• She refuted the allegations against her with a strong alibi.

Used to make something (e.g., an argument, statement, or document) no longer valid or acceptable, often in a formal or legal sense.

• The lawyer managed to invalidate the contract due to a technical error.
• New evidence may invalidate the previous assumptions of the study.

Suitable when you want to weaken or damage something (e.g., someone's authority, credibility, or a foundation), often in a subtle manner. It can carry a negative connotation.

• The constant criticism served to undermine his confidence.
• Rumors were spread to undermine the CEO's authority.