deprecate
Meaning
to express strong disapproval of; to argue or plead against.
(chiefly in computing) to declare something, such as a software function, obsolete or discouraged from use while still allowing it to function.
Structure
Usage
the committee moved to deprecate the use of outdated and unsafe materials.
the latest version of the api will deprecate several old functions.
he deprecated his own achievements, showing a great deal of modesty.
Etymology
the word deprecate originates from the latin verb 'deprecari', meaning 'to ward off by prayer' or 'to pray earnestly against'. this was formed from the prefix 'de-' (away, off) and 'precari' (to pray, entreat). the core logic moved from a literal sense of praying for something to be averted to a more general sense of expressing earnest disapproval against it. in modern english, it retains this meaning of strong disapproval and has developed a specific technical sense in computing, where a feature is formally discouraged from use, effectively 'praying for its removal'.
Analysis
de- (latin origin, prefix meaning 'down, away from, off'); -prec- (latin origin, from 'precari' meaning 'to pray, entreat'); -ate (latin origin, verb-forming suffix).