'denigrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denigrare,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'nigrare' meant 'to blacken.'

'denigrare' transformed into the French word 'dénigrer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'denigrate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to blacken or defame,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to criticize unfairly or disparage.'