detract: Meaning and Definition of

de•tract

Pronunciation: (di-trakt'), [key]
— v.i.
  1. to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation (usually fol. by from).
—v.t.
  1. to draw away or divert; distract: to detract another's attention from more important issues.
  2. to take away (a part); abate: The dilapidated barn detracts charm from the landscape.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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