decry

[dih-krahy]

verb (used with object), de·cried, de·cry·ing.

to speak disparagingly of; denounce as faulty or worthless; express censure of: She decried the lack of support for the arts in this country.

to condemn or depreciate by proclamation, as foreign or obsolete coins.

Nearby words

Origin of decry

1610–20; < French décrier, Old French descrier. See dis-¹, cry

SYNONYMS FOR decry

1. belittle, disparage, discredit, depreciate, minimize.

Related formsde·cri·er, nounun·de·cried, adjective

Can be confuseddecry descry

Synonym study

1. Decry, denigrate, deprecate, derogate all involve the expression of censure or disapproval. Decry means to express one's vigorous disapproval of or to denounce: to decry all forms of discrimination. Denigrate means to speak damagingly of, to criticize in derogative terms: denigrating his works as trifling and poorly executed. Deprecate implies the expression of earnest, thoughtful disapproval: to deprecate a plan because of possible environmental damage. Derogate means to speak in such a way as to decrease the status, high quality, or good reputation of someone or something, making the person or object seem of less value: Fear of change makes them derogate every proposal put forth.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for decries

The apps, which Badasyan decries, have their own subtleties.
Sex-Crazed Narcissist Pretends He's an Artist|Justin Jones|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For audiences outside of the Court, the angry and aggressive approach that Murphy decries might be particularly effective.
The Outside Game of Justice Scalia, a Loner With Clout|David Fontana|June 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He decries the search for “velvet-jacketed Bond villains” hatching a “malevolent plan.”
The Utterly Pointless First World War|Michael F. Bishop|May 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
So Romney has a secret plan to slash taxes without boosting the deficit he decries?
Why President Obama, Despite Scoring Points, Fell Flat in the Denver Debate|Howard Kurtz|October 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The Associated Press reports that the president “decries the personal attacks” on her.
Will Sandra Fluke Sue Rush Limbaugh?|Allison Yarrow|March 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Notwithstanding that, every man who knows good apples goes out and decries it.
Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Second Annual Meeting|Northern Nut Growers Association
Countess, here is the man who counts all equal under the sun, who decries class, and recognises no social distinctions.
The Yellow Crayon|E. Phillips Oppenheim
The women extol and Salam decries the goods on offer; both praise Allah.
Morocco|S.L. Bensusan
It is by arguing from its abuse, that he decries this enchanting talent.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3)|Isaac D'Israeli
In doing so he belies his own nature, decries his countrymen, and disparages his religion.
Bonaparte in Egypt and the Egyptians of To-day|Haji A. Browne

British Dictionary definitions for decries

decry

verb -cries, -crying or -cried (tr)

to express open disapproval of; disparage

to depreciate by proclamationto decry obsolete coinage

Derived Formsdecrial, noundecrier, noun

Word Origin for decry

C17: from Old French descrier, from des- dis - 1 + crier to cry

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for decries

decry

1610s, from French decrier (14c.; Old French descrier "cry out, announce"), from de- "down, out" (see de-) + crier "to cry," from Latin quiritare (see cry (v.)). In English, the sense has been colored by the presumption that de- in this word means "down."

decry

verb (used with object), de·cried, de·cry·ing.

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Nearby words

Origin of decry

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for decries

decry

verb -cries, -crying or -cried (tr)

Word Origin for decry

decry