verb

discredit

dihs-KREHD-iht

verb

To damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty.

"The scandal was designed to discredit the senator before the election."

"New evidence discredited the witness's testimony."

noun

Loss of reputation or trust; disgrace.

"The affair brought discredit on the entire organization."

How to Use Discredit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo damage someone's good name or make their claims seem unreliable.

Common pairings

discredit a witness discredit a theory bring discredit on

discredited past tense, discredits plural, discredits singular

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The scandal was designed to _____ the senator before the election.

Built from dis- plus credit, in the sense of losing one's "credit" or good standing.

edit credit