Discredit
/dɪsˈkrɛdɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo damage the reputation or credibility of someone or something; to cause distrust or disbelief.
/dɪsˈkrɛdɪt/
To harm the good reputation of someone or something.
The politician tried to discredit his opponent by spreading rumors.
💡 Simply: Imagine you tell a friend something that's totally believable, and then someone comes along and says it's all a lie. They're trying to discredit what you said, making others not believe you anymore.
👶 For kids: To make someone or something seem bad or untrustworthy.
More Examples
The evidence presented in court was meant to discredit the defense's case.
The journalist's investigation aimed to discredit the company's claims.
How It's Used
"The scandal was intended to discredit the candidate."
"The newspaper tried to discredit the witness's testimony."
Loss or lack of respect, confidence, or reputation; disgrace.
/ˈdɪskrɛdɪt/
Loss or lack of reputation or respect; disgrace.
The company's actions brought discredit upon its reputation.
💡 Simply: Imagine a person who has always been trusted suddenly does something that makes everyone doubt them. That's a situation of 'discredit,' when their good name is hurt.
👶 For kids: When people don't believe or trust someone or something anymore.
More Examples
The politician's lies brought discredit to his party.
The scandal caused discredit to the community.
How It's Used
"The scandal brought discredit upon the company."
"The historian explored how the actions brought discredit to the monarchy."
Idioms & expressions
bring discredit to
To cause a loss of reputation or respect for something.
"His actions brought discredit to his family."
cast discredit on
To cause doubt or mistrust about something.
"The allegations cast discredit on the company's practices."
From French *décréditer* (to damage someone's credit) and Italian *discreditare*, from *dis-* (un-, not) + *creditare* (to credit).
The word 'discredit' has been used since the 17th century, often in political and legal contexts to refer to actions intended to damage a person's reputation or challenge a claim.
Memory tip
Think of a broken credit card – it’s been 'discredited,' no one trusts it.