De*cry" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decried (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Decrying.]
[F. décrier, 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. 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.
Hear it pronounced