deprecate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb express strong disapproval of; deplore
  2. verb belittle
    vilipend; depreciate.
    • The teacher should not deprecate his student's efforts

WordNet

Dep"re*cate transitive verb
Etymology
L. deprecatus, p. p. of deprecari to avert by player, to deprecate; de- + precari to pray. See Pray.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Deprecated ; present participle & verbal noun Deprecating
Definitions
  1. To pray against, as an evil; to seek to avert by player; to desire the removal of; to seek deliverance from; to express deep regret for; to disapprove of strongly.
    His purpose was deprecated by all round him, and he was with difficulty induced to adandon it. Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913