Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Detraction

De-trac′tion

,
Noun.
[F.
détraction
, L.
detractio
.]
1.
A taking away or withdrawing.
[Obs.]
The
detraction
of the eggs of the said wild fowl.
Bacon.
Syn. – Depreciation; disparagement; derogation; slander; calumny; aspersion; censure.

Webster 1828 Edition

Detraction

DETRACTION

,
Noun.
[L.] The act of taking something from the reputation or worth of another, with the view to lessen him in estimation; censure; a lessening of worth; the act of depreciating another, from envy or malice. Detraction may consist in representing merit, as less than it really is; or in the imputation of faults, vices or crimes, which impair reputation; and if such imputation is false, it is slander or defamation.

Definition 2024

detraction

detraction

English

Noun

detraction ‎(countable and uncountable, plural detractions)

  1. The act of detracting something, or something detracted.
  2. A derogatory or malicious statement; a disparagement, misrepresentation or slander.
    • Isaac Barrow
      If indeed we consider all the frivolous and petulant discourse, the impertinent chattings, the rash censures, the spiteful detractions which are so rife in the world […]
  3. (Roman Catholic Church) The act of revealing previously unknown faults of another person to a third person.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:slander

Etymology

From Old French detraccion, from Latin detractio.

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -ækʃən

Similar Results