discredit
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To harm the good reputation of someone or something; to cause disbelief.
As a noun: loss or lack of reputation or respect; a person or thing causing this loss.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb focuses on the action of damaging reputation or trust. The noun describes the resulting state or the source of the damage. Often used in contexts of public trust, authority, evidence, and institutions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations in related forms (e.g., discreditable).
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of undermining authority, trustworthiness, or credibility in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal, journalistic, and academic contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
discredit [sb/sth]discredit [sb/sth] as [noun/adj]discredit [sb/sth] by [gerund/v-ing]bring discredit on/upon [sb/sth]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bring into disrepute”
- “cast aspersions on”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The scandal could discredit the entire board of directors.
Academic
The new research discredited the long-held theory.
Everyday
Spreading those rumours is just an attempt to discredit him.
Technical
The defence attorney sought to discredit the witness's testimony.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The article sought to discredit the minister's handling of the crisis.
- Falsified data can completely discredit a scientific study.
American English
- The lawyer tried to discredit the key witness on the stand.
- These allegations are clearly meant to discredit my client.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad behaviour of one player can discredit the whole team.
- He didn't want to do anything that would bring discredit to his family.
- The journalist published evidence aiming to discredit the official report.
- The company's reputation fell into discredit after the product recall.
- The campaign of misinformation was meticulously designed to discredit her political opponents.
- Such practices bring the entire institution into disrepute and are a profound discredit to its leadership.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not, opposite of) + CREDIT (good reputation). To discredit is to take away the credit or trust someone has.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPUTATION IS A VALUABLE OBJECT (that can be damaged/tarnished/broken). CREDIBILITY IS A STRUCTURE (that can be weakened/undermined).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'дискредитировать' in every context. In some cases, 'подорвать доверие', 'опорочить', or 'выставить в плохом свете' might be more natural.
- The noun 'discredit' is less common than the verb. Russian might prefer a verbal construction.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'discredit' as a direct synonym for 'disagree with' (it's stronger).
- Confusing 'discredit' with 'disbelieve' ('discredit' targets the source to make it disbelieved).
- Incorrect preposition: 'bring discredit to' (less common; 'on/upon' is standard).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'discredit' correctly as a NOUN?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal, journalistic, legal, and academic contexts than in casual everyday speech.
Both damage reputation. 'Disgrace' implies a stronger sense of shame and social disapproval, often for moral failings. 'Discredit' focuses more on loss of credibility, trust, or belief, often through factual or logical undermining.
Yes, you can discredit a theory, an idea, a study, a piece of evidence, an institution, or a reputation.
Less common than the verb. It often appears in fixed phrases like 'bring discredit on/upon' or 'a discredit to.' The near-synonym 'disrepute' is sometimes used for the noun form.