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Discredit Madeleine dismissing lie (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

demean

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'discredit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for demean that I've seen before include "Lower in dignity or respect" , "Lower in dignity or reputation" , "Belittle; degrade" , "Lower in status or reputation" , "Cause to lose respect" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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