discredit
UK: dɪsˈkrɛdɪt | US: dɪsˈkrɛdɪt
vt. to harm the reputation or credibility of someone or something
n. loss of reputation or trust
The word "discredit" combines the prefix "dis-" (from Latin, meaning "opposite of" or "away") with "credit" (from Latin "creditum," meaning "trust" or "belief"). Originally, "credit" referred to belief or trust in someone's reliability, while "dis-" negates this, forming a verb meaning "to cause distrust" or "to damage reputation." Over time, it evolved into both a verb and noun, reflecting actions or states of diminished trust.
The false accusations were meant to discredit the scientist.
His actions brought discredit to the entire organization.
The scandal discredited the politician’s career.
She feared the rumors would discredit her achievements.
The study’s flawed methodology discredited its findings.