deprecate

[ dep-ri-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dep·re·cat·ed, dep·re·cat·ing.

1. to express earnest disapproval of:

   The physician’s committee moved to deprecate the standard American diet.

   Synonyms: minimize, decry, disparage, denounce, condemn

2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
3. to depreciate; belittle:

   How can companies redress the experiences of marginalized team members whose voices are being deprecated in the workplace?

4. Computers. to cease supporting or recommending the use of (older elements, features, or versions of software):

   The publisher deprecates products after five years or if more than two more recent versions are available.

5. Archaic. to pray for deliverance from.

deprecate

/ ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to express disapproval of; protest against
2. to depreciate (a person, someone's character, etc); belittle
3. archaic.
   to try to ward off by prayer

Usage

See depreciate

Derived Forms

• ˌdepreˈcation, noun
• ˈdepreˌcatingly, adverb
• ˈdepreˌcator, noun
• ˈdepreˌcating, adjective
• ˈdeprecatively, adverb
• ˈdeprecative, adjective

Other Words From

• dep·re·cat·ing·ly adverb
• dep·re·ca·tion [dep-ri-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• dep·re·ca·tor noun
• half-dep·re·cat·ing adjective
• half-dep·re·cat·ing·ly adverb
• non·dep·re·cat·ing adjective
• non·dep·re·cat·ing·ly adverb
• un·dep·re·cat·ing adjective
• un·dep·re·cat·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprecate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin dēprecātus “prayed against, warded off” (past participle of dēprecārī ), equivalent to dē- “away from, out of“ + precārī “to pray” + -ātus past participle suffix; de-, pray, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprecate¹

C17: from Latin dēprecārī to avert, ward off by entreaty, from de- + precārī to pray

Synonym Study

See decry.

Example Sentences

As early as 1989, Gaines had conceived of a show that would juxtapose powerful contemporary work by Black Americans with deprecating excerpts by art critics, highlighting the profound mismeasure of these artists’ achievements.

From New York Times

Now 23% prefer getting local news from social media, even though social media invests zero dollars in its own journalism and increasingly deprecates professional news on its platforms.

From Seattle Times

The latter, with its intro of “La-las,” was unlike anything on the radio at the time and with Holland’s deprecating lyrics about not having self-esteem, it was a song that struck a chord.

From Los Angeles Times

The company will “deprecate” the news tab — a Facebook feature to prominently display news material — for users in the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

From Seattle Times

"Funny, self deprecating, sharp, charming, strong, honest and a fantastic listener. His legacy is enormous."

From BBC