I want to know the answer to the following question:
Who gave more exposure to the term heresy when attempting to descredit opponents during the early centuries of Christianity?
All the background I'm provided with is that "The use of the word "heresy" was given wide currency by Irenaeus in his 2nd century tract Contra Haereses (Against Heresies) to describe and discredit his opponents during the early centuries of the Christian community.[citation needed]". Is that enough to answer the question?
Answer: yes