denigrate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To criticize so as to besmirch; traduce, disparage or defame.
To treat as worthless; belittle, degrade or disparage.
To blacken.

adj

Blackened.

Pronunciation

dĕn′ĭ-grāt /ˈdɛn.ɪ.ɡɹeɪ̯t/ /ˈden.ɪ.ɡɹeɪ̯t/ en-us-denigrate.ogg /ˈden.ɪ.ɡɹæɪ̯t/ en-au-denigrate.ogg /ˈden.ə.ɡɹæɪ̯t/ /ˈdɛn.ɪ.ɡɹet/ /ˈɖɛ(ː)n.ɪ.ɡɾeːʈ/

Word forms

denigrate denigrates denigrating denigrated more denigrate most denigrate

Etymology

Derived from Latin dēnigrātus, the perfect passive participle of dēnigrō (“to blacken”) [see -ate (verb-forming suffix)], from dē- (“of; from”) + nigrō (“to blacken”) [from niger (“black”)]. Cognate with Middle English denigart(e) (“darkened, discolored”).

Synonyms

badmouth besmirch slander assassinate asperse backbite befoul belibel besmear bewray blacken blame blaze blemish blot blur calumniate calumny chat shit chat shite cloud defame demonize denigrate deprave depreciate detract dirty discredit disgrace disparage disrepute diss drag through the mud forgab forspeak foul infamize lampoon libel malign monsterize muddy reproach revile scandal shit-talk slag smear smirch spatter spot speak ill of stab stain sully talk shit talk shite talk trash tarnish

Derived words

denigration denigrative denigrator denigratory

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