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Decrying

Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         For small errors they whole plays decry. --Dryden.

         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.
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