de ˈtract from [transitive] [present tense I/you/we/they detract from he/she/it detracts from present participle detracting from past tense detracted from past participle detracted from] phrasal verb
to make something seem less good, attractive, or important
We should not allow her personal difficulties to detract from her public achievements.
Thesaurus: to make something seem less important or specialsynonym
Main entry: detract
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detract from [phrasal verb]
They worried that the scandal would seriously detract from [=diminish, hurt] her chances for reelection.
The overcooked vegetables detracted somewhat from an otherwise fine meal.
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Main Entry: ↑detract
Useful english dictionary. 2012.