Decry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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decry
de-cry
Definition
public criticism
To decry means to publicly denounce or criticize something. It often involves expressing strong disapproval or condemnation, particularly in a social or political context. The term emphasizes the act of openly stating that something is wrong or should be rejected.
Synonyms
censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, disparage.
Examples of usage
- Activists decry the new policy as unjust.
- The article decries the effects of climate change on wildlife.
- She decried the increase in pollution levels.
- Many scholars decry the misinformation spread online.
Translations
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Quick facts about “decry”
Decry is a 2-syllable verb (de-cry). It is pronounced /dɪˈkɹaɪ/ in American English and /dɪkɹˈaɪ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 5 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #26,166 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'decry'
The word 'decry' originates from the late 17th century, derived from the French 'décrier', which means 'to cry down' or 'to denounce'. It combines 'de-', a prefix suggesting negation or removal, with 'crier', which relates to the act of proclaiming or announcing. The usage of 'decry' in English became increasingly common during the 18th century, particularly in legal and political discourse. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader range of public denunciations, often relating to moral or ethical issues. The word reflects a societal tendency to challenge and criticize injustices, making it a powerful term in contemporary discussions about social change.