deprecate
UK: /ˈdɛprɪkeɪt/ | US: /ˈdɛprɪkeɪt/
vt. to express disapproval of; to argue or plead against
vt. (computing) to mark a feature or function as obsolete while retaining it for compatibility
vt. (archaic) to pray for deliverance from something
The word "deprecate" originates from Latin deprecari, combining de- (against) and precari (to pray). Initially, it meant "to ward off by prayer," reflecting a plea to avert something undesirable. Over time, the meaning shifted to "express disapproval" or "plead against," retaining the core idea of opposition. In computing, it gained a specialized sense of marking something as obsolete while still allowing its use.
The committee deprecated the proposed changes due to their potential risks.
Older software functions are often deprecated to encourage users to adopt newer methods.
She deprecated his reckless behavior in front of the team.
The librarian deprecated the removal of physical books in favor of digital copies.
In medieval times, people would deprecate calamities through communal prayers.