detraction
UK: dɪˈtrækʃən | US: dɪˈtrækʃən
n. the act of disparaging or belittling someone or something
n. a derogatory or damaging remark; slander
n. the act of taking away or diverting (archaic)
detraction = de<away/down> + tract<pull/drag> + ion<noun suffix>
- de: Prefix meaning "away" or "down," from Latin de-.
- tract: Root meaning "pull" or "drag," from Latin tractus (past participle of trahere, "to pull").
- ion: Noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin detractio ("a taking away"), the word originally referred to literal removal (e.g., diverting resources). Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean "diminishing someone’s reputation" by "pulling down" their standing. The root tract appears in related words like traction (pulling force) and distract (pull attention away).
His constant detraction of colleagues created a toxic work environment.
The article was criticized for its detraction of the scientist’s achievements.
In medieval times, detraction was considered a moral sin akin to slander.
She ignored the detractions and focused on her goals.
The politician’s speech contained subtle detractions against his opponent.