ˈdenə̇ˌgrāt, -nēˌ- sometimes ˈdēn-; also də̇ˈnīˌg- or dēˈ- sometimes -ˈniˌg-; usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin denigratus, past participle of denigrare, from de- + nigrare to blacken, from nigr-, niger black
1. : to cast aspersion on the character or reputation of : belittle maliciously : defame , sully
denigrating his efforts and subjecting him to scorn — Manfred Nathan
denigrate the values of living — Stephen Spender
2. : to make black : darken
fog denigrated with factory smoke