'credit-harming' originates from the combination of 'credit' and 'harm,' where 'credit' refers to one's financial trustworthiness and 'harm' means to cause damage.

'credit' and 'harm' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, but the compound 'credit-harming' is a modern term reflecting contemporary financial concerns.

Initially, 'credit' referred to trust or belief, and 'harm' meant injury or damage. The modern term 'credit-harming' specifically relates to financial reputation.