detraction
noun/dɪˈtɹækʃən/
Etymology From Middle English detraction, detraccion, detraccioun, from Old French detraccion, from Latin dētractiō.
1
The act of detracting something, or something detracted; taking away; diminution.
2
A derogatory or malicious statement; a disparagement, misrepresentation or slander.
- If indeed we consider all the frivolous and petulant discourse, the impertinent chattings, the rash censures, the spiteful detractions which are so rife in the world[…]a. 1678 (date written), Isaac Barrow, “(please specify the chapter name or sermon number)”, in The Works of Dr. Isaac Barrow. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: A[braham] J[ohn] Valpy, […], published 1830–1831, →OCLC:
3
Catholicism, Christianity, Roman Catholicism The act of revealing previously unknown faults of another person to a third person.