Decrying

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Decry \De*cry"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Decried}; p. pr. & vb. n.
     {Decrying}.] [F. d['e]crier, OF. descrier; pref. des- (L.
     dis-) + crier to cry. See {Cry}, and cf. {Descry}.]
     To cry down; to censure as faulty, mean, or worthless; to
     clamor against; to blame clamorously; to discredit; to
     disparage.


     [1913 Webster]
  
           For small errors they whole plays decry. --Dryden.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Measures which are extolled by one half of the kingdom
           are naturally decried by the other.      --Addison.
  
     Syn: To {Decry}, {Depreciate}, {Detract}, {Disparage}.
  
     Usage: Decry and depreciate refer to the estimation of a
            thing, the former seeking to lower its value by
            clamorous censure, the latter by representing it as of
            little worth. Detract and disparage also refer to
            merit or value, which the former assails with
            caviling, insinuation, etc., while the latter
            willfully underrates and seeks to degrade it. Men
            decry their rivals and depreciate their measures. The
            envious detract from the merit of a good action, and
            disparage the motives of him who performs it.
            [1913 Webster]