vverb.communicationcause to seem less serious; play downSynset:belittle derogate minimize
Examples:- Don't belittle his influence
Derivationally Related Form:derogationdenigrativederogativederogatoryminimumdenigrationminimization
Hypernyms:belittle disparage pick at
Inherited Hypernyms:minimizedisparageknockcommentnotestateexpress
Direct Hyponyms:talk down
Full Troponyms:talk down
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s something | Something ---s something
vverb.communicationcharge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someoneSynset:asperse besmirch calumniate defame slander smear smirch sully
Examples:- The journalists have defamed me!
- The article in the paper sullied my reputation
Derivationally Related Form:slandereraspersionsmirchsmeardefamatoryslanderdenigratorycalumnydenigrationdefamationdefamer
Hypernyms:accuse charge
Inherited Hypernyms:defamecharge
Direct Hyponyms:assassinatebadmouthdrag through the mudlibelmaligntraduce
Full Troponyms:assassinatebadmouthlibel
Sentence Frame:Somebody ---s somebody | Something ---s somebody