disparage

[dih-spar-ij]

verb (used with object)

disparaged, disparaging 

1. to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle.

   Do not disparage good manners.

   Synonyms: derogate, denounce, demean, mock, discredit, ridicule

2. to bring reproach or discredit upon; lower the estimation of.

   Your behavior will disparage the whole family.

disparage

/ dɪˈspærɪdʒ /

verb

1. to speak contemptuously of; belittle

2. to damage the reputation of

Other Word Forms

• disparager noun
• undisparaged adjective
• disparagingly adverb
• disparaging adjective
• disparagement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French desparag(i)er “to match unequally,” from des- dis- ¹ + -parag(i)er, verb derivative of parage “equal rank,” also “high birth, noble descent” ( peerage )

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparage¹

C14: from Old French desparagier, from des- _dis- ¹ + parage equality, from Latin par equal

Example Sentences

But it also disparages those susceptible to pseudofolliculitis barbae, a medical condition primarily affecting Black men like the show’s razor-shy recruit, wherein regular shaving causes inflammation and a higher likelihood of scarring and developing keloids.

Read more on Salon

Some posts cheered his death, while others disparaged or mocked some of Kirk’s more polarizing views.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Racist disparaging comments about any child in our Long Beach schools should never be tolerated,” she said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“To date, Ray J has not retracted his knowingly false and disparaging statement,” the lawsuit says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

ANL's lawyers have staunchly denied the allegations, previously calling the case "without foundation" and an "affront" to hard-working journalists whose reputations had been disparaged.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• belittle 
• decry 
• defame 
• degrade 
• denigrate 
• deride 
• discredit 
• dismiss 
• malign 
• ridicule 
• scorn 
• slander 
• underrate 
• vilify