discrediting

/dɪˈskred.ɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪskrˈɛdətɪŋ] /dɪˈskred.ɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪskrˈɛdətɪŋ] /(ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət How to pronounce discredit (audio)/ (ame, mw)

discrediting — verb

  • discreditingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • discreditings3rd person singular
  • discreditinging-ing form
  • discreditingedpast simple

1. making other people trust or respect someone, an idea, or an organization less

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

making other people trust or respect someone, an idea, or an organization less

例句

The leaked emails were discrediting the mayor days before the vote.

discrediting + public figure before an election

False rumors online kept discrediting the charity during its winter appeal.

同義詞
  • undermine

    broader and often less public; it can weaken support without open attack

  • smear

    stronger and more negative; it often suggests a deliberate dirty campaign

  • disgrace

    stronger; it emphasizes bringing shame rather than reducing belief

反義詞
  • vindicate

    shows that someone or something deserves trust or approval

文法句型

discrediting + person/institution/idea

用法筆記

The object is usually a person, group, plan, or institution whose public standing is being damaged. Distinguish from sense 2, where the focus is on rejecting a statement or piece of evidence as untrue or unreliable.

常見錯誤

The article discredited that the coach was honest.
The article discredited the coach.
💡This sense takes a person, group, or idea as its object, not a full that-clause.

2. treating a report, claim, or piece of evidence as not true or not reliable

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

treating a report, claim, or piece of evidence as not true or not reliable

例句

The minister kept discrediting the safety report instead of answering questions.

discrediting + report judged unreliable

In court, the defense focused on discrediting the witness statement.

同義詞
  • dismiss

    broader and less formal; it can mean refusing to consider something at all

  • debunk

    stresses proving a claim wrong with evidence

  • disbelieve

    centers on a person's lack of belief rather than public argument

反義詞
  • credit

    formal opposite when you accept something as true or trustworthy

文法句型

discrediting + claim/report/evidence

用法筆記

This sense is used when someone dismisses information as untrustworthy or incorrect. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about damaging public respect for a person, group, or idea.

常見錯誤

The lawyer discredited the mayor during the interview.
The lawyer discredited the mayor's statement during the interview.
💡Sense 2 usually targets information, evidence, or a claim, not a person's reputation.

discrediting — noun