Deprecate \Dep"re*cate\ (d[e^]p"r[-e]*k[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deprecated (-k[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Deprecating (-k[=a]`t[i^]ng).]

[L. deprecatus, p. p. of deprecari to avert by player, to deprecate; de- + precari to pray. See Pray.]

To pray against, as an evil; to seek to avert by prayer; to desire the removal of; to seek deliverance from; to express deep regret for; to disapprove of strongly.

His purpose was deprecated by all round him, and he was with difficulty induced to adandon it. --Sir W. Scott.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)