Main Entry:

de·cry

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈkrī, dē-\

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 \-ˈkrī(-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>.