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Definition of "detraction" [de•trac•tion]

  • The act of detracting or taking away. (noun)
  • A derogatory or damaging comment on a person's character or reputation; disparagement: The candidate responded sharply to the long list of detractions concocted by his opponent. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "detraction" in a sentence
  • "The amazing part of the detraction is that a lot of these are the same arguments why weblogs were unnecessary and irrelevant."
  • "It would surprise a great many to learn who this person was, but as no detraction is intended, I will dismiss the subject at once."
  • "Only there is this difference, that as all are more forcibly inclined to ill than good, they are much apter to exceed in detraction than in praises."