discredit
Discredit (verb) means to damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty. Example: “The scandal was designed to discredit the senator before the election.”
How to use discredit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo damage someone's good name or make their claims seem unreliable.
Word forms
discredited past tense, discredits plural, discredits singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scandal was designed to _____ the senator before the election.
Etymology
Built from dis- plus credit, in the sense of losing one's "credit" or good standing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for discredit
See all rhymes for discredit →Frequently asked questions
What does “discredit” mean?
The word “discredit” means to damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty. In plain terms, to damage someone's good name or make their claims seem unreliable.
How do you pronounce “discredit”?
“Discredit” is pronounced dihs-KREHD-iht (/dɪsˈkɹɛd.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “discredit” in a sentence?
Here is “discredit” used in a sentence: “The scandal was designed to discredit the senator before the election.”
What part of speech is “discredit”?
Depending on how it is used, “discredit” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “discredit” a common word?
“Discredit” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “discredit” have?
“Discredit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty.