deprecation

American  

[dep-ri-key-shuhn] / ˌdɛp rɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of expressing earnest disapproval.

   Any omissions represent only a lack of information rather than a bias against or deprecation of the omitted product.

2. the act or process of belittling or disparaging; depreciation.

   The story painfully details the alternating deprecation and outright abuse the author suffered.

3. the act or process of protesting against something.

   The movie would be funnier if it weren’t predicated on stereotypical male deprecation of the celebration of matrimony.

4. Computers. the act or process of no longer supporting the use of a function, value, feature, etc., in software, but not removing the capability immediately, so as to allow for continued compatibility for a period of time.

   The software allows for the deprecation of certain features in the long run as they prove to be of less value.

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Etymology

Origin of deprecation

First recorded in 1550–1560 in a different sense; from Old French, from Latin dēprecātiōn-, stem of dēprecātiō; see origin at deprecate ( def. )

Explanation

When you express your extreme disapproval of something, that's deprecation. Your health teacher's deprecation of sugary snacks may change your eating habits — or it might just make you feel a little guilty for enjoying your jelly beans. Deprecation can take many forms, from a blistering opinion piece in the newspaper criticizing a political figure to your mom's subtle facial expression that tells you she wishes you'd worn a clean shirt to church. Self-deprecation is when you criticize yourself or put yourself down. A more old-fashioned meaning of this word is "a prayer to avert evil," from the Latin deprecari, "to avert by prayer" or "to pray away."

Example Sentences

Deprecation -- N. deprecation, expostulation; intercession, mediation, protest, remonstrance.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark

—I, with leave of Speech implor'd And humble Deprecation, thus reply d: Let not my Words offend thee, Heav'nly Power, My Maker, be propitious while I speak, &c.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph

Deprecation is when the person on his trial confesses that he has done wrong, and that he has done wrong on purpose, and nevertheless entreats to be pardoned.

From The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4 by Cicero, Marcus Tullius

Deprecation is when it is not attempted to defend the action in question, but entreaties to be pardoned are employed.

From The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4 by Cicero, Marcus Tullius

Deprecation should be for specific reasons only, because the sects of other people all deserve reverence for one reason or other.

From Notes on Islam by Hussain, Khaja Muhammad