definition of
denigrate

[1] #1 denigrate v. [minimize, belittle, derogate] cause to seem less serious; play down; "Don't belittle his influence". wn

[2] #2 denigrate v. [defame, slander, smirch, asperse, calumniate, smear, sully, besmirch] charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone; "The journalists have defamed me!" "The article in the paper sullied my reputation". wn