Discredit

/dɪsˈkredɪt/ verb

Definition

To damage the reputation or credibility of someone or something; to cause people to doubt the truth or value of something.

Etymology

Formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'opposite of' or 'away from') to 'credit'. The word 'credit' comes from Latin 'creditum' meaning 'something entrusted' or 'belief', so discredit literally means to take away belief or trust.

Kelly Says

Discredit is like withdrawing money from a reputation bank account! Just as credit represents trust that someone can pay back money, personal credibility represents trust that someone tells the truth or acts reliably. When you discredit someone, you're bankrupting their trustworthiness.

Translations

ESEspañol
desacreditar
deh-sah-kreh-dee-tah

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