detract (dɪˈtrækt
)
Definitions
verb
- when intr, usually foll by from to take away a part (of); diminish ⇒
her anger detracts from her beauty
- (tr) to distract or divert
- (tr) obsolete to belittle or disparage
Alternative Forms
deˈtractingly adverb deˈtractive deˈtractory adjective deˈtractively adverb deˈtractor nounWord Origin
C15: from Latin dētractus drawn away, from dētrahere to pull away, disparage, from de- + trahere to dragUsage examples
So my part can only add, surely, not detract , from her euphoria.
, The Image of Laura (1993)But some scientists dismiss the idea and are worried that it will detract from efforts to curb rising levels of greenhouse gases.
New Scientist (2004)Nothing, however, should detract from Middlesbrough's stubborn display.
Irish Times (2002)Lord Cullen said: `There appears to have been nothing which would detract from taking a realistic view of his aggressive behaviour.
Sun, News of the World (2004)To be fair, however, this information ought not necessarily to detract from the efficacy of the treatment itself.
, The A-Z of Beauty Treatment (1994)