The term DETRACT is defined as to take away from the worth or value of something. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as DISPRAISE (9 letters), DISPARAGE (9 letters), DEROGATE (8 letters), DECRY (5 letters), SUBTRACT (8 letters), DEPRECATE (9 letters), and DISCOUNT (8 letters). Each of these words has a slightly different meaning, but all of them involve taking away from the worth or value of something. For example, to DISPRAISE something is to criticize it, while to DISPARAGE something is to belittle it. To derogate something is to speak badly of it, while to DECRY something is to express strong disapproval of it. To SUBTRACT something is to take away from it, while to DEPRECATE something is to express disapproval of it. Finally, to DISCOUNT something is to reduce its value.