detractor
UK[dɪˈtræktə(r)]US[dɪˈtræktər]
n
a person who criticizes something or someone, often unfairly.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
tract
or
de
away, down
tract
pull, draw
or
agent noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'detractor' originates from the Latin verb detrahere, meaning "to pull down, disparage." This verb is a compound of the prefix de- ("away, down") and the verb trahere ("to pull, draw"). The literal sense of pulling something down evolved metaphorically into the act of diminishing someone's reputation or merit by criticism. The agent noun suffix -or was added to form detractor, denoting the person who performs this action. Thus, a detractor is etymologically one who "pulls down" the standing or character of another.
Analysis
Structure: de (away, down) + tract (pull, draw) + or (agent noun suffix)
de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "away, down, off, completely." It indicates reversal or removal.
tract: Latin origin, from the root of trahere meaning "to pull, draw, drag." It functions as the core root.
or: Latin origin, an agent noun suffix meaning "a person or thing that does something."
Examples
Despite the film's commercial success, it still has its detractors who criticize its plot.
Every political leader must learn to deal with detractors and focus on their policies.
She ignored the detractors and continued to pursue her innovative research.