denigrate
UK: ˈdɛnɪɡreɪt | US: ˈdɛnɪɡreɪt
vt. to criticize unfairly; to belittle or disparage someone or something
vt. (archaic) to blacken or defame someone’s reputation
denigrate = de<down> + nigr<black> + ate<verb suffix>
- de (Latin prefix): "down" or "completely," often implying negation or reversal.
- nigr (from Latin niger): "black," referring to color or metaphorical darkness (e.g., defamation).
- ate (verb-forming suffix): indicates action or process.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin denigrare ("to blacken"), the word originally meant literally staining something black. By the 16th century, it evolved metaphorically to mean "tainting someone’s reputation" or "vilifying." The modern sense of "unfair criticism" retains this imagery of darkening or sullying.
The article sought to denigrate the scientist’s achievements without evidence.
Politicians often denigrate their opponents to gain an advantage.
She refused to denigrate her colleague’s work, even during the debate.
Historical figures are sometimes denigrated by modern biases.
The coach warned the team not to denigrate their rivals before the match.