noun
the expression of damaging or malicious opinions
his persistent detraction of his rival's motives was wholly unfair
Synonyms: backbiting, backstabbing, belittlement, calumny, character assassination, defamation, depreciation, disparagement, scandal, slander, sycophancy, tale
Related Word: damage, harm, hurt, injury; injustice, wrong; aspersion, calumniation, libel, libeling, maligning, slandering, traducing, vilification
Contrasted words: enhancement, heightening, laudation, praise; approbation, approval
Antonyms: commendation