v.
Pronunciation: di- ' kr ī , d ē -
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: French décrier, from Old French decrier, from de - + crier to cry
Date: 1614
1 : to depreciate (as a coin) officially or publicly
2 : to express strong disapproval of < decry the emphasis on sex>
– de · cri · er \ - ' kr ī (- ə )r \ noun
synonyms DECRY , DEPRECIATE , DISPARAGE , BELITTLE mean to express a low opinion of. DECRY implies open condemnation with intent to discredit < decried their defeatist attitude>. DEPRECIATE implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed <critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental>. DISPARAGE implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison < disparaged polo as a game for the rich>. BELITTLE usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude < belittled the achievements of others>.