What is "deprecation"

Deprecation \Dep`re*ca"tion\ (d[e^]p`r[-e]*k[=a]"sh[u^]n), n.

1. The act of deprecating; a praying against evil; prayer that an evil may be removed or prevented. [archaic]

   Humble deprecation.
   --Milton.

2. Entreaty for pardon; petitioning.

3. An imprecation or curse. [Obs.]
   --Gilpin.

4. A strong expression of disapprobation; an expression of a low opinion.

c.1500, "prayer to avert evil," from Middle French deprécation, from Latin deprecationem (nominative deprecatio), from past participle stem of deprecari "plead in excuse, avert by prayer," literally "to pray (something) away," from de- "away" (see de-) + precari "pray" (see pray). Sense of "disapproval" is first attested 1610s.

n. 1 (context uncountable English) The act of deprecate. 2 (context countable English) A praying against evil; prayer that an evil may be removed or prevented; strong expression of disapprobation. 3 entreaty for pardon; petition. 4 (context countable English) An imprecation or curse.

1. n. a prayer to avert or remove some evil or disaster

2. the act of expressing disapproval (especially of yourself) [syn: denigration]

Deprecation is the discouragement of use of some feature, design or practice, typically because it has been superseded or is no longer considered safe, without (at least for the time being) removing it from the system of which it is a part or prohibiting its use.