criticise, criticize, pick apart, knock - find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws; "The paper criticized the new movie"; "Don't knock the food--it's free"

tear apart, trash, pan - express a totally negative opinion of; "The critics panned the performance"

discredit, disgrace - damage the reputation of; "This newspaper story discredits the politicians"

depreciate, deprecate - belittle; "The teacher should not deprecate his student's efforts"

belittle, denigrate, derogate, minimize - belittle; "Don't belittle his influence"