The action of criticizing someone or something unfairly in order to damage their reputation. It involves attacking character or worth through disparaging remarks.
From Latin 'denigrare,' meaning 'to blacken completely' (de- 'completely' + niger 'black'). Originally meant literal blackening, but evolved metaphorically to describe blackening someone's reputation or character through criticism.
Think of 'denigration' as painting someone's reputation black! Just like blackening a white sheet with ink, you're 'blackening' their good name with harsh criticism. The 'niger' root is the same as in 'Nigeria' (land of black people).
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