deplore

[dih-plawr, -plohr]

verb (used with object)

deplored, deploring 

1. to regret deeply or strongly; lament.

   to deplore the present state of morality.

   Synonyms: bewail, bemoan

2. to disapprove of; censure.

3. to feel or express deep grief for or in regard to.

   The class deplored the death of their teacher.

   Synonyms: mourn

deplore

/ dɪˈplɔː /

verb

1. to express or feel sorrow about; lament; regret

2. to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure

Other Word Forms

• deploration noun
• deplorer noun
• deploringly adverb
• undeplored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deplore¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin dēplōrāre “to weep bitterly, complain,” equivalent to dē- + plōrāre “to wail”; de-

Word History and Origins

Origin of deplore¹

C16: from Old French deplorer, from Latin dēplōrāre to weep bitterly, from plōrāre to weep, lament

Example Sentences

She deplored the way local Native Americans were treated by ranchers and the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Paris Philharmonic said it had filed a complaint over the disruption, adding it "deplores and strongly condemns the serious incidents that occurred".

Read more on Barron's

But clauses which will hand ministers powers to force the break-up of some big estates are deplored by many landowners and their representatives.

Read more on BBC

The European Union and the African Union have deplored the regime's violent crackdown on protesters, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an investigation.

Read more on Barron's

Why, he asked, is that acceptable in politics when it’s deplored in just about every other field of endeavor?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abhor 
• bemoan 
• complain 
• denounce 
• lament 
• mourn