cause to seem less serious; play down; Dont belittle his influence

[ Syn: minimize , belittle , derogate ]

charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone; The journalists have defamed me! The article in the paper sullied my reputation

[ Syn: defame , slander , smirch , asperse , calumniate , smear , sully , besmirch ]