1
Core action
Publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
Example
Editors decried the attempt to suppress evidence.
decry
/dɪˈkraɪ/ · dih-KRYverb
Publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
Use decry to express this relationship precisely: publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
What decry Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The report decries discrimination in housing.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
She decried the tactic without attacking its supporters.
Use decry Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Editors decried the attempt to suppress evidence.
The report decries discrimination in housing.
She decried the tactic without attacking its supporters.
Precision Matters
Decry overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
decry
vs.Means publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
decry
vs.Means publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
condone
Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
decry
vs.Means publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
venerate
Means regard or treat someone or something with profound respect, reverence, or devotion.
decry
vs.Means publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
condemn
Means express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
Test decry in Context
The groups publicly express strong disapproval.
1
Civil-liberties groups ___ the new restrictions as an unjust limit on peaceful assembly.