Vocabulary in context
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Deplore
To feel or express strong disapproval or regret about something; to condemn or lament.
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Imagine This
the White House complained and criticized Ken Starr’s independent investigation into President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky’s affair.
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Sounds Like
dih-PLORE (/dɪˈplɔːr/)
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Looks Like
deplore
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Remember This
Deplore conveys strong disapproval or sorrow about an action or event. It is more formal and intense than simply 'dislike' and is often used in moral, political, or ethical contexts.
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Other Forms
deplorableadjective
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Note
Avoid confusing deplore with explore or deplore as a negative judgment; use with actions or behavior (e.g., 'deplore violence,' 'deplore the decision'). The noun form is rarely used; instead, phrases like 'a deploration' are uncommon in everyday usage.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Many citizens deplore the corruption that has tainted the administration.
- She deplored the loss of life in the disaster and called for urgent relief efforts.
Synonyms
condemndenouncedecrylamentbewail
Antonyms
praiseapprovecommendendorse
Etymology
From Middle French deplorer, from Latin deplorare 'to lament, bewail', from de- 'down' + plorare 'to cry out'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: De- (down) + plore (to cry out) → when you deplore something, you cry out in disapproval.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Condemn
verbTo express strong disapproval of something or someone, and to declare them unfit, wrong, or deserving of punishment; in a legal sense, to sentence a person to punishment.
Denounce
verbTo publicly condemn or criticize something or someone.
Lament
verbTo express grief, sorrow, or regret; to mourn or lament a loss or misfortune.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
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