DETRACTION

detraction

(noun) the act of discrediting or detracting from someone’s reputation (especially by slander); “let it be no detraction from his merits to say he is plainspoken”

detraction, petty criticism

(noun) a petty disparagement

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

detraction (countable and uncountable, plural detractions)

The act of detracting something, or something detracted; taking away; diminution.

A derogatory or malicious statement; a disparagement, misrepresentation or slander.

(Roman Catholic Church) The act of revealing previously unknown faults of another person to a third person.

Synonyms

• See also slander

Anagrams

• tractioned

Source: Wiktionary

De*trac"tion, n. Etym: [F. détraction, L. detractio.]

1. A taking away or withdrawing. [Obs.] The detraction of the eggs of the said wild fowl. Bacon.

2. The act of taking away from the reputation or good name of another; a lessening or cheapening in the estimation of others; the act of depreciating another, from envy or malice; calumny.

Syn.

– Depreciation; disparagement; derogation; slander; calumny; aspersion; censure.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition