Definition Definition

discredit - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'discredit' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Discredit [ n.]
- The act of discrediting or disbelieving, or the state of being discredited or disbelieved; as, later accounts have brought the story into discredit.
- Hence, some degree of dishonor or disesteem; ill repute; reproach; -- applied to persons or things.
2 . Discredit [ v. t.]
- To refuse credence to; not to accept as true; to disbelieve; as, the report is discredited.
- To deprive of credibility; to destroy confidence or trust in; to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of.
- To deprive of credit or good repute; to bring reproach upon; to make less reputable; to disgrace.

Meaning of 'discredit' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . discredit [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the state of being held in low esteem
Example in sentence:
  • because of the scandal the school has fallen into disrepute;
  • your actions will bring discredit to your name
2 . discredit [ v]
Meaning (2):
- cause to be distrusted or disbelieved
Example in sentence:
  • The paper discredited the politician with its nasty commentary
Meaning (3):
- damage the reputation of
Example in sentence:
  • This newspaper story discredits the politicians