disparage

/di-ˈsper-ij/

Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one's class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer

verb

  1. to belittle the importance or value of (someone or something) : to speak slightingly about (someone or something)

  2. to lower (someone or something) in rank or reputation : degrade

disparaged his opponent

decry depreciate disparage belittle mean to express a low opinion of. decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit. depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.