B2verbformalpoliticsmedia
US/dɪˈskred.ɪt/
UK/dɪˈskred.ɪt/
to make people stop trusting or respecting a person, idea or source
In context
The lawyer tried to discredit the key witness by pointing out her earlier lies.
A series of scandals discredited the whole government.
The theory was discredited after other scientists could not repeat the results.
Words that go with discredit
verb + noun
- discredit an opponentThey tried to discredit an opponent with false rumors.
- discredit a theoryNew data helped discredit a theory that had lasted fifty years.
- discredit a witnessThe defense hoped to discredit a witness during questioning.
adverb + verb
- publicly discreditHe was publicly discredited by his own team.
- deliberately discreditThe emails were leaked to deliberately discredit her.