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Definition of decry

decry

/dɪˈkraɪ/
de · cry
Past Simple:decried
•
Past Participle:decried
•
Present Participle:decrying
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decry Lexical Profile

decry Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To publicly denounce, condemn, or express strong disapproval of something.

Example

"Environmental advocates frequently decry the destruction of ancient coastal wetlands for commercial development."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for decry
Antonyms
View all antonyms for decry

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'decry' (to publicly denounce or condemn) with 'descry' (a formal or literary verb meaning to catch sight of something distant or obscure).

• Rhymes for decry

• Nearby Words

decrescendo
decriminalization
decriminalize
decry
decrypt
decryption
dedicate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from French 'décrier', from Old French 'descrier' ('to cry down' or 'to announce the worthlessness of a coin'), formed from 'des-' (down) and 'crier' (to cry).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decry. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decry
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