disparage

verb dis·par·age \di-ˈsper-ij, -ˈspa-rij\

: to describe (someone or something) as unimportant, weak, bad, etc.

dis·par·ageddis·par·ag·ing

Full Definition of DISPARAGE

transitive verb

: to lower in rank or reputation : degrade

: to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about

— dis·par·age·ment \-ij-mənt\ noun

— dis·par·ag·er noun

— dis·par·ag·ing adjective

— dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adverb

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Origin of DISPARAGE

Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one's class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISPARAGE

Synonyms: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, decry, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off

Antonyms: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Synonym Discussion of DISPARAGE

decry, depreciate, disparage, belittle mean to express a low opinion of. decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit <decried their defeatist attitude>. depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed <critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental>. disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison <disparaged polo as a game for the rich>. belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude <belittled the achievements of others>.