Definition of "discredit" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To harm the good reputation of (a person).

   • The candidate tried to discredit his opponent.

2. (transitive) To cause (an idea or piece of evidence) to seem false or unreliable.

   • The evidence would tend to discredit such a theory.

noun

1. (countable or uncountable) Discrediting or disbelieving.

2. (countable) A person or thing that causes harm to a reputation, as of a person, family, or institution.

3. (uncountable) The state of being discredited or disbelieved.

   • Later accounts have brought the story into discredit.

4. (uncountable) A degree of dishonour or disesteem; ill repute; reproach.

   • It is the duty of every Christian to be concerned for the reputation or discredit his life may bring on his profession.