noun
denigration
den-ih-GRAY-shun/ˌdenɪˈɡreɪʃn/
Unfair criticism that makes someone or something seem less worthy.
The painter looks hurt by the man's denigration of her prize-winning work.
Etymology
The pieces express an act of “completely blackening.” English first used the noun for literal darkening or discoloration; its figurative use treats unfair criticism as a blackening of someone's character or reputation.
In context
… it's about perhaps um you know eating the remains of your enemy either as a denigration act or a veneration one
More examples
- His constant denigration of his coworkers damages morale.
- The campaign relies on denigration rather than honest debate.
- Calling all modern art worthless is denigration, not analysis.
Forms
denigration
denigrate verb — To criticize unfairly and diminish worth.
Similar words
- disparagement
- Similarly emphasizes speaking of someone or something as inferior.
- belittlement
- Emphasizes making someone's abilities or achievements seem insignificant.
- defamation
- Specifically involves false statements that damage someone's reputation.