decry
UK: dɪˈkraɪ | US: dɪˈkraɪ
vt. to publicly denounce or condemn
vt. to disparage or belittle the value of something
The word "decry" originates from Old French descrier ("to cry down, condemn"), combining de- (a prefix meaning "down" or "against") and crier ("to shout"). The Latin root de- intensifies the action of crier, evolving into the modern sense of openly condemning or devaluing something. The morpheme "cry" retains its core meaning of vocal expression, while "de-" adds a negative or oppositional force.
The activist decried the government's inaction on climate change.
Critics decry the film as overly simplistic and clichéd.
She decried the unfair treatment of workers in her speech.
Many decry the decline of traditional craftsmanship in the digital age.
The editorial decried the corruption scandal as a betrayal of public trust.