discredit

1 of 2

verb

dis·​cred·​it (ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət 

discredited; discrediting; discredits

transitive verb

1

: to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve

discredit a rumor

2

: to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of

trying to discredit the claims of a rival

a discredited theory

3

: to deprive of good repute : disgrace

personal attacks meant to discredit his opponent

discredit

2 of 2

noun

1

: loss of credit (see credit entry 1 sense 3) or reputation

I knew stories to the discredit of England

—W. B. Yeats

2

: lack or loss of belief or confidence : doubt

contradictions cast discredit on his testimony

Synonyms

Verb

• abase
• chasten
• cheapen
• debase
• degrade
• demean
• disgrace
• dishonor
• foul
• humble
• humiliate
• lower
• shame
• sink
• smirch
• take down

Noun

• disesteem
• disgrace
• dishonor
• disrepute
• ignominy
• infamy
• obloquy
• odium
• opprobrium
• reproach
• shame

Examples of discredit in a Sentence

Verb

The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.

Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.

an attempt to discredit the governor

Noun

to his everlasting discredit, the coach was found to have placed bets against his own team

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In states where bans have passed through the legislature, including in Tennessee, testimony from those opposing such care has often been discredited—yet politicians pass the bans anyway, often along party lines. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Trump also openly campaigned on pardoning supporters who participated in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot — discrediting the notion that the Hunter Biden case will somehow give Trump political cover to issue controversial pardons. —Zachary Basu, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

Noun

This diplomatic stalemate discredits moderates and plays into the hands of extremists on both sides who refuse to make the concessions that any viable peace treaty will require. —Ehud Yaari, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2010

Only Keynesians ascribe an ability of governments to increase demand, but that’s to the everlasting discredit of Keynesianism. —John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

discredit

1 of 2 verb

dis·​cred·​it (ˈ)dis-ˈkred-ət 

1

: to refuse to accept as true or correct : disbelieve

discredit a rumor

2

: to cause to seem dishonest or untrue

discredit a witness

3

: to destroy the good reputation of : disgrace entry 1

involvement in the scandal discredited them

discreditable

-ə-bəl

adjective

discreditably

-blē

adverb

discredit

2 of 2 noun

1

: loss of good name or respect

brought discredit on their family

2

: lack or loss of belief or confidence

bring a story into discredit