Detraction
Pronunciation : De*trac"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. d?traction, L. detractio.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Merriam-Webster's Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder