Main entry: sully, defame, denigrate, calumniate, besmirch, asperse, slander, smear, smirch
Definition: charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
Usage: The journalists have defamed me! The article in the paper sullied my reputation
Main entry: denigrate, derogate, belittle, minimize
Definition: cause to seem less serious; play down
Usage: Don't belittle his influence