Word: decry

Associations

Decry means to publicly express strong disapproval or criticism of something. It is often used when someone feels strongly against an idea, action, or policy.

• Example 1: "The environmentalist groups decry the deforestation of the Amazon." This shows that they strongly criticize the cutting down of trees.
• Example 2: "Many experts decry the spread of misinformation on social media." Here, experts are expressing disapproval of false information being shared widely.
• Example 3: "He decried the government’s decision to cut education funding." In this case, he is publicly criticizing a specific action taken by the government.

The synonym "condemn" is similar but often carries a stronger sense of moral outrage or legal implications. To decry can be more about expressing disapproval, whereas to condemn implies a stronger moral judgment.

Substitution

Other phrases you could use instead of "decry" include:

• "criticize" - This is more general and can apply in any context.
• "denounce" - This often has a legal or formal tone.
• "oppose" - This indicates disagreement, but might not include strong expression of that disagreement.

Using "criticize" might feel less intense than "decry," which conveys a stronger, more public expression of disapproval.

Deconstruction

The word "decry" comes from the prefix "de-" meaning "down from" or "away," and the word "cry," which relates to shouting out or making a vocal expression. Together, it suggests a action of "calling down" or expressing disapproval publicly. This term has roots in the Middle French "crier," which means "to cry" or "to shout."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where you would want to decry something? What would you say?
• Have you ever felt the need to criticize or disapprove of something publicly? What was it about?
• How do you think decrying something can affect the issue at hand? Can it lead to change?