Obtrect

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To speak ill of someone or diminish their good name through criticism or malicious remarks
2. To detract from another's reputation by casting aspersions or expressing scorn toward them
3. To disparage or belittle someone by attacking their character or accomplishments with disdain

Etymology: Latin "obtrectare" meant to disparage someone or their work, often out of rivalry or envy. It was formed from "ob-", meaning "against," and a verb related to "tractare," "to handle" or "drag." The underlying picture is likely one of pulling at or against a person. English borrowed the verb directly from Latin and kept its sense of belittling someone to diminish them. It is rare outside learned or literary writing, where it still means to detract from or speak slightingly of a person or achievement. The noun "obtrectation," for the act itself, comes from the same Latin root.

Synonyms: disparage, detract, slander, defame

Antonyms: praise, commend