disparage

dis·par·age

transitive verb \di-ˈsper-ij, -ˈspa-rij\

dis·par·ageddis·par·ag·ing

Definition of DISPARAGE

1

: to lower in rank or reputation : degrade

2

: to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about

— dis·par·age·ment \-ij-mənt\ noun

— dis·par·ag·er noun

— dis·par·ag·ing adjective

— dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of DISPARAGE

1. Voters don't like political advertisements in which opponents disparage one another.
2. It's a mistake to disparage their achievements.
3. The article disparaged polo as a game for the wealthy.

Origin of DISPARAGE

Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one's class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISPARAGE

Synonyms

bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, decry, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off

Antonyms

acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Related Words

discommend; abuse, scold; disapprove (of), dislike; censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify; discredit, disgrace

Near Antonyms

approve, countenance, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, sanction; commend, compliment, eulogize

See Synonym Discussion at decry

Rhymes with DISPARAGE

miscarriage, mixed marriage