den·i·grate 
/ˈdɛnɪˌgreɪt/ verb
den·i·grates; den·i·grat·ed; den·i·grat·ing /ˈdɛnɪˌgreɪt/ verb [+ obj] formal 1 : to say very critical and often unfair things about (someone)
▪ Various groups denigrated [=slandered, maligned] both candidates throughout the presidential campaign. ▪ Her story denigrates him as a person and as a teacher. 2 : to make (something) seem less important or valuable
▪ Such behavior denigrates [=belittles] the value of honesty in the workplace. ▪ No one is trying to denigrate the importance of a good education. We all know that it is crucial for success. ▪ denigrating the talents and achievements of women
▪ Various groups denigrated [=slandered, maligned] both candidates throughout the presidential campaign. ▪ Her story denigrates him as a person and as a teacher.
▪ Such behavior denigrates [=belittles] the value of honesty in the workplace. ▪ No one is trying to denigrate the importance of a good education. We all know that it is crucial for success. ▪ denigrating the talents and achievements of women
— den·i·gra·tion /ˌdɛnɪˈgreɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
/ˌdɛnɪˈgreɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
