/dis kred"it/ , v.t.
1. to injure the credit or reputation of; defame: an effort to discredit honest politicians.
2. to show to be undeserving of trust or belief; destroy confidence in: Later research discredited earlier theories.
3. to give no credence to; disbelieve: There was good reason to discredit the witness.
n.
4. loss or lack of belief or confidence; disbelief; distrust: His theories met with general discredit.
5. loss or lack of repute or esteem; disrepute.
6. something that damages a good reputation: This behavior will be a discredit to your good name.
[ 1550-60; DIS- 1 + CREDIT ]
Syn. 1. disparage, disgrace, tarnish, undermine.