Hypertext Webster Gateway: "decry"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Decry \De*cry"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Decried}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Decrying}.] [F. d['e]crier, OF. descrier; pref. des- (L.
dis-) + crier to cry. See {Cry}, and cf. {Descry}.]
To cry down; to censure as faulty, mean, or worthless; to
clamor against; to blame clamorously; to discredit; to
disparage.

For small errors they whole plays decry. --Dryden.

Measures which are extolled by one half of the kingdom
are naturally decried by the other. --Addison.

Syn: To {Decry}, {Depreciate}, {Detract}, {Disparage}.

Usage: Decry and depreciate refer to the estimation of a
thing, the former seeking to lower its value by
clamorous censure, the latter by representing it as of
little worth. Detract and disparage also refer to
merit or value, which the former assails with
caviling, insinuation, etc., while the latter
willfully underrates and seeks to degrade it. Men
decry their rivals and depreciate their measures. The
envious detract from the merit of a good action, and
disparage the motives of him who performs it.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

decry
v : express strong disapproval of; "We condemn the racism in
South Africa" [syn: {condemn}, {objurgate}, {excoriate}]


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