# discrediting

/dɪsˈkɹɛdətɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪskɹˈɛdɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discrediting
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to make people stop trusting or believing someone or something.

For teachers: present participle of 'discredit'; to damage the reputation of a person, claim, or source so others no longer trust or believe it.

## Examples

- He keeps discrediting his rival with unfair stories.
- The lawyer tried discrediting the witness by showing old messages that contradicted her story.
- By repeatedly discrediting independent journalists, the campaign sought to weaken public trust in any reporting that challenged its claims.

## Synonyms

undermine, debunk, disprove, refute

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.