denigrate

Definition

To criticise so as to besmirch; traduce, disparage or defame.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "Although in public Soviet officials tend to denigrate the French electric locomotives imported recently, there is little doubt that lessons learnt from these engines will be incorporated in new Russian designs."
• "You have no right to denigrate people and things that you have no personal experience with."