Crossword Dictionary
DETRACT
detract, derogate, detracts, detracted, detracting - v
to take away
Synonyms
draw away, backbite, belittle, blister, cheapen, decrease, decry, depreciate, derogate, devaluate, diminish, discount, discredit, disesteem, knock, lower, minimize, reduce, underrate, undervalue, vilipend, withdraw
Examples
A traditional awning can also detract from your homes profile, creating a look that may not always complement your home.
When using more than just two metals, however, couples must be careful not to use too many that would detract from the beauty of the central diamond.
The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.
Etymology
early 15c., detracten, "disparage, defame, slander," from Latin detractus, past participle of detrahere "to take down, pull down, disparage," from de "down" (see de-) + trahere "to pull" (see tract (n.1)). Literal sense of "take away, withdraw" (c. 1500) is rare in English. Related: Detracted; detracting.