detraction Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a petty disparagement
    petty criticism.
  2. 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

WordNet

De*trac"tion noun
Etymology
F. détraction, L. detractio.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913