verb

denigrate

DEN-ih-grayt/ˈdenɪɡreɪt/

To criticize someone or something unfairly.

The detractor unfairly denigrates the potter’s skilled work.

A detractor publicly belittles an accomplished potter and her visibly well-made work, using sweeping contempt despite clear evidence of craftsmanship and recognition.

Etymology

deLatincompletely

+nigrLatinblack

+ateLatinpast-participle ending

The pieces convey “completely blacken,” an image applied figuratively to staining someone's character or reputation. This reputational sense was already present in Latin and is the earliest English verb sense.

In context

Chronicle - Medieval History Documentaries158:19

he had become king by intervention of the devil, not of God. And therefore, he was not the legitimate king of France. It was all really to denigrate him, to destroy his reputation.

Hundred Years' War: The Bloodiest War In Medieval History

More examples

The article denigrated work it had barely examined.
He resented attempts to denigrate his contribution.
The speaker kept denigrating everyone who disagreed.

Forms

denigrate · denigrates · denigrated · denigrating

denigration noun — unfair disparagement

Similar words

disparage: Disparage is a close equivalent for belittling; denigrate often emphasizes unfair damage to reputation.
criticize: Criticize can be fair evaluation; denigrate is derogatory and unfair.