'denigrate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denigrare', where 'de-' meant 'completely/from' and 'niger' meant 'black'.

'denigrate' changed from the Latin word 'denigrare' (and influenced by French forms such as 'dénigrer') and eventually became the modern English 'denigrate' in early modern English usage.

Initially, it meant 'to blacken (literally or figuratively)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to belittle or criticise unfairly' (to tarnish someone's reputation).