'discredit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'discreditare,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'creditare' meant 'to trust.'

'discreditare' transformed into the French word 'discréditer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'discredit' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to separate from trust,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to harm the reputation of someone or something.'