Definition

1. Verb:
   • To criticize someone or something unfairly; to say that someone or something is not good or important.
   • To damage the reputation of a person or group by making false or malicious statements.

Usage

The verb "denigrate" is used to describe the act of unfairly belittling or disparaging someone or something. It often implies an attempt to make something seem less valuable or respectable than it really is. It is a formal word.

Examples

• Verb:
  • He felt his colleagues were trying to denigrate his achievements.
  • It is wrong to denigrate the cultural practices of other societies.
  • The article sought to denigrate the mayor's character.

Advanced Usage

• "to denigrate someone/something as...": to describe someone or something in a belittling way by labeling them.
  • Critics have denigrated the policy as short-sighted and ineffective.

Variants and Related Words

• Denigration (n): The action of unfairly criticizing someone or something.
  • The constant denigration of his work was demoralizing.
• Denigratory (adj): Intended to belittle or disparage.
  • He made several denigratory remarks about the proposal.

Synonyms

• Belittle: To make a person or action seem less impressive or important.
• Disparage: To regard or represent as being of little worth.
• Defame: To damage the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.
• Malign: To speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner.

Antonyms

• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration of.
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.
• Extol: To praise enthusiastically.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "to engage in denigration": to participate in the act of unfairly criticizing.
  • The debate devolved into mere denigration of opponents.
• "a campaign of denigration": a sustained effort to damage someone's reputation.
  • The politician faced a campaign of denigration from the rival party.

Verb

1. charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
   • The journalists have defamed me! The article in the paper sullied my reputation
2. cause to seem less serious; play down
   • Don't belittle his influence