Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DEP'RE-CATE, v.t. [L. deprecor; de and precor, to pray. See Pray and Preach.]

1. To pray against; to pray or entreat that a present evil may be removed, or an expected one averted. We should all deprecate the return of war. The judgments we would deprecate are not removed. – Smallridge.
2. More generally, to regret; to have or to express deep sorrow at a present evil, or at one that may occur. This word is seldom used to express actual prayer; but it expresses deep regret that an evil exists or may exist, which implies a strong desire that it may be removed or averted.
3. To implore mercy of. [Improper.] – Prior.