The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word DISPARAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
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S
P
A
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A
G
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More clues leading to the result DISPARAGE
- Malign a girl initially praised, turning nasty
- Scorn girl’s passion after a year
- Criticize a gripe, sad, out of order
- 1 down detective’s fury arresting dad
- Criticise German in crumbling paradise
- Belittle and insult right-wing politician
- Damage the reputation of princess’s attendant over a bit of rowdiness
- Detective’s anger about old man getting run down
- Slight gasp aired in uproar
- Revile girl’s father and show anger
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Damage the reputation of" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case damage the reputation of = disparage.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DISPARAGE mean?
DISPARAGE noun- Inequality in marriage; marriage with an inferior.
- To match unequally; to degrade or dishonor.
- To dishonor by a comparison with what is inferior; to lower in rank or estimation by actions or words; to speak slightingly of; to depreciate; to undervalue.
- To ridicule, mock, discredit.