to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation (usually fol. by from ).

to draw away or divert; distract

to detract another's attention from more important issues.

Archaic . to take away (a part); abate

The dilapidated barn detracts charm from the landscape.

verb

add to , increase , optimize

verb

backbite * , belittle , blister , cheapen , cut rate , decrease , decry , depreciate , derogate , devaluate , diminish , discount , discredit , disesteem , draw away , knock * , laugh at , lower , minimize , misprize , reduce , subtract from , underrate , undervalue , vilipend , withdraw , write off , denigrate , deprecate , disparage , downgrade , run down , slight , talk down , calumniate , debase , defame , divert , lessen , minify , vilify

phrasal verb

blemish , damage , disserve , flaw , harm , hurt , impair , mar , prejudice , tarnish , vitiate