də̇ˈsparij, -rēj also -per-, esp in pres part -rəj transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English disparagen, from Middle French desparagier, from Old French, from des- dis- (I) + -paragier (from parage extraction, lineage, high birth, from per peer + -age ) — more at peer (equal)
1.
a. obsolete : to lower or degrade especially by marriage to one socially inferior
b. : to lower in esteem or reputation : diminish the respect for
the Labor party, in turn, is being carried further to the left … in an effort to disparage the Tory party — New Republic
c. : discourage , dishearten
2.
a. obsolete : to discredit or bring reproach upon by comparing with something inferior : lower in rank by actions or words
b. : to speak slightingly of : run down : depreciate
I get very hot under the collar when I hear this country disparaged — Victor Ross
I do not wish to disparage the bouillabaisse, which is a dish for heroes — A.T.Quiller-Couch
Synonyms: see decry