decry

/dɪˈkɹaɪ/

Group 23Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To publicly denounce
GRE

Example in Context

Environmental groups decried the decision to open protected lands to commercial development, calling it a betrayal of public trust.

Synonyms

condemncriticizedenounce

Etymology

To cry out against something, denouncing it.

  • de- (Latin) — down from
  • cry- (Old French) — to cry out

Memory Aid

📢Sounds like “de-cry

When you DE-CRY something, you're crying so loudly that even the neighbors have to listen!

Visual Association

🗣️A person standing on a soapbox, passionately shouting against injustice while people gather around.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “decry” mean on the GRE?

decry (verb) means “To publicly denounce”. Environmental groups decried the decision to open protected lands to commercial development, calling it a betrayal of public trust.

How to remember “decry” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “decry” sounds like “de-cry”. When you DE-CRY something, you're crying so loudly that even the neighbors have to listen!

What are synonyms for “decry”?

Common synonyms: condemn, criticize, denounce.