[de.cry] vt [F decrier, fr. OF descrier, fr. des- de- + crier to cry] (1614) 1: to depreciate (as a coin) officially or publicly
2: to express strong disapproval of "~ the emphasis on sex" -- de.cri.er n syn 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 usu. suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude "belittled the achievements of others".