'deprecate' definitions:

Definition of 'deprecate'

verb

Express strong disapproval of; deplore

verb

Belittle; "The teacher should not deprecate his student's efforts" [syn: deprecate, depreciate, vilipend]

From: GCIDE

deprecate \dep"re*cate\ (d[e^]p"r[-e]*k[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deprecated (-k[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Deprecating (-k[=a]`t[i^]ng).] [L. deprecatus, p. p. of deprecari to avert by prayer, to deprecate; de- + precari to pray. See Pray.] To pray against, as an evil; to seek to avert by prayer; to seek deliverance from; to express deep regret for; to desire the removal of. [archaic] [1913 Webster]
2. To protest against; to advance reasons against. [PJC]
His purpose was deprecated by all round him, and he was with difficulty induced to adandon it. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
3. To disapprove of strongly; to express a low opinion of. [PJC]