DISPARAGEMENT

disparagement, dispraise

(noun) the act of speaking contemptuously of

disparagement, depreciation, derogation

(noun) a communication that belittles somebody or something

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

disparagement (countable and uncountable, plural disparagements)

The act of disparaging, of belittling.

Source: Wiktionary

Dis*par"age*ment, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. desparagement.]

1. Matching any one in marriage under his or her degree; injurious union with something of inferior excellence; a lowering in rank or estimation. [Eng.] And thought that match a foul disparagement. Spenser.

2. Injurious comparison with an inferior; a depreciating or dishonoring opinion or insinuation; diminution of value; dishonor; indignity; reproach; disgrace; detraction; -- commonly with to. It ought to be no disparagement to a star that it is not the sun. South. Imitation is a disparagement and a degradation in a Christian minister. I. Taylor.

Syn.

– Indignity; derogation; detraction; reproach; dishonor; debasement; degradation; disgrace.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition