Denigrate

/ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To criticize unfairly; to disparage.

The editor's decision to denigrate the author’s work was met with outrage from her supporters.

To belittle or speak ill of someone or something.

It's not fair to denigrate her achievements just because you are envious of her success.

To deny the importance or value of someone or something.

He tends to denigrate the contributions of others, focusing only on his own efforts.

From Latin 'denigratus', the past participle of 'denigrare', meaning 'to blacken'.

denigrate someone's efforts

To belittle or criticize the efforts someone has made.

denigrate a reputation

To harm or damage someone's reputation through negative comments.

belittle

To make someone or something seem less impressive or important.

disparage

To regard or represent as being of little worth.

Throw shade

She really threw shade at him during the meeting.

Diss

He didn't just ignore my idea; he totally dissed it.