[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

denigration \den`igra"tion\, n. l. denigratio.
   1. the act of making black. --boyle.
      1913 webster

   2. fig.: a blackening; defamation.
      1913 webster

            the vigorous denigration of science.  --morley.
      1913 webster

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

denigration
     n 1: a belittling comment syn: belittling
     2: an abusive attack on a person's character or good name syn:
         aspersion, calumny, slander, defamation
     3: the act of expressing disapproval especially of yourself
        syn: deprecation
see also:
belittling aspersion calumny slander defamation deprecation 

Denigration >> D Words
Denigration, definition of term: Denigration
denigration_pag1.html