deplore
/dɪˈplɔːr/
verb
Origin
Latin
deplorare — to weep bitterly, to lament
Overview
Meaning Now
- To express strong disapproval of something.
- To feel or express deep grief or regret for something.
Literal older meaning
To weep over
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
deplorer
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term originates from Roman usage where 'plorare' referred to a loud, public expression of grief. By the 16th century, the English usage shifted from exclusively emotional mourning to a more intellectual and moral stance of disapproval.
Evolution
- Latin
deplorare
“to weep for”
de- (intensifier) + plorare (to cry/wail)
- Middle French
deplorer
“to lament”
- Early Modern English
deplore
“to grieve or express sorrow”
Connections
Word parts
de-
prefix
down or intensifier
plorare
root
to cry
Related across languages
French
déplorer
to deplore
Spanish
deplorar
to deplore
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.