discredit

To make people lose respect for someone or stop trusting them.

• The lies discredited the politician.
• They tried to discredit the witness with false accusations.
• His opponents spread rumours to discredit him.

Similar words: damage someone’s reputation, disgrace

Common phrases: discredit someone, discredit an opponent, attempt to discredit

To make an idea or evidence seem false or impossible to trust.

• These facts discredit his theory.
• Later research discredited the original findings.
• Can one mistake discredit the whole report?

Similar words: undermine, cast doubt on

Opposites: confirm

Common phrases: discredit a theory, discredit the evidence, discredit a claim

The loss of other people's respect or trust.

• His lies brought discredit on the team.
• The affair brought lasting discredit to her office.
• Such conduct reflects discredit on the institution.

How to use it: bring discredit on someone/something (The scandal brought discredit on the whole profession.)

Similar words: disgrace, dishonor

Opposites: honor

Common phrases: bring discredit, discredit on someone, discredit to something