[ 'dɛnɪgreɪt ]
■ verb criticize unfairly; disparage.
Derivatives
denigration noun
denigrator noun
denigratory -'greɪt(ə)ri adjective
Origin
ME (in the sense 'blacken, make dark'): from L. denigrat- , denigrare , from de- 'away, completely' + nigare (from niger 'black').