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

Campbell’s CPB -0.08%decrease; red down pointing triangle said it fired the executive allegedly caught on audio disparaging the company’s products.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But when she’s not signing books for her faithful readers, Carol glumly disparages her jackpot premise as if it’s a badly written “Star Trek” episode.

Read more on Salon

“I don’t like using a book to refute things or to say anything disparaging about another person,” she clarifies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In Sophocles, his character is little discussed but certainly not disparaged, and his death was a violent killing, not a car accident.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He wants a full retraction of the Panorama documentary, an apology for the "false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading and inflammatory statements" made about him in it, and appropriate compensation "for the harm caused".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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