denigration Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a belittling comment
    belittling.
  2. noun an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
    defamation; calumny; slander; aspersion.
  3. noun the act of expressing disapproval (especially of yourself)
    deprecation.

WordNet

Den`i*gra"tion noun
Etymology
L. denigratio.
Definitions
  1. The act of making black. Boyle.
  2. Fig.: A blackening; defamation.
    The vigorous denigration of science. Morley.

Webster 1913