Meaning
Discredit has two main uses:
- Verb – to harm the reputation, trust, or credibility of someone or something.
- Noun – loss of reputation or good name; dishonor.
Grammar and Usage
- Verb (transitive): to discredit someone/something Example: "The scandal discredited the politician."
- Noun (uncountable/countable): bring discredit on… / fall into discredit Example: "His actions brought discredit to the whole team."
Sentence Structures
- discredit sb/sth = damage reputation
- discredit the idea/claim = make people doubt something
Common Phrases
- bring discredit upon
- fall into discredit
- to discredit an idea/theory/person
Collocations
- verb + discredit: bring, cause, risk, suffer
- noun + discredit: source of discredit, mark of discredit
- adjective + discredit: great discredit, serious discredit
Examples
- The false report discredited the journalist.
- The company’s unethical practices brought discredit upon its name.
- The scientist tried to discredit the rival’s theory with new data.
- She fell into discredit after the fraud was exposed.
- The rumors did nothing but discredit his achievements.
- Their poor performance was a source of discredit to the organization.
- The witness’s inconsistent story discredited the case.
- His behavior in court brought serious discredit to his reputation.
Synonyms or Related
- Verb: disgrace, dishonor, defame, undermine, disprove
- Noun: dishonor, disgrace, shame, humiliation
