Definition of disparage

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dis·par·age    (d-sprj) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
dis·par·aged, dis·par·ag·ing, dis·par·ag·es

1. To speak of in a slighting or disrespectful way; belittle. See Synonyms at decry.
2. To reduce in esteem or rank.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English disparagen, to degrade, from Old French desparager : des-, dis- + parage, high birth (from per, peer; see peer²)

OTHER FORMS:
dis·parage·ment(Noun), dis·parag·er(Noun), dis·parag·ing·ly(Adverb)