deplore

[ dih-plawr, -plohr ]

verb (used with object)

, de·plored, de·plor·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• deˈplorer, noun
• deˈploringly, adverb

Other Words From

• dep·lo·ra·tion [dep-l, uh, -, rey, -sh, uh, n, dee-pl, uh, -], noun
• de·plorer noun
• de·ploring·ly adverb
• unde·plored 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

Of course there’s plenty to deplore about Russia’s approach to nuclear weapons.

From Salon

Downey, who plunged into tech’s moral gray zones in his “Iron Man” outings, makes it possible for an audience to both deplore McNeal and delight in the abrasive pleasure of his company.

From Los Angeles Times

"The council deplores the formation of such relationships and actions which abuse children and bring about a loss of their childhood innocence."

From BBC

“He also incited the most violent attack on our Capitol in history. There is nothing inconsistent about defending our democracy and deploring the use of political violence — indeed they go hand in hand.”

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t just deplore his toxic politics, his hatred of women, immigrants and people of color, his criminality, dishonesty and ignorance — although there’s that.

From Salon

Related Words

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