To discredit an idea or evidence means to make it appear false or not certain. They realized there would be difficulties in discrediting the evidence. the loss of other people's respect or trust to sb's discredit
cause to be distrusted or disbelieved; "The paper discredited the politician with its nasty commentary" damage the reputation of; "This newspaper story discredits the politicians
To discredit someone or something means to cause them to lose people's respect or trust. a secret unit within the company that had been set up to discredit its major rival + discredited dis·cred·it·ed The previous government is, by now, thoroughly discredited