Which word means to criticize or express disapproval of something, especially in a moral context?

The term that accurately conveys the meaning of criticizing or expressing disapproval, especially from a moral standpoint, is "deprecate." This word encompasses the idea of expressing a strong disapproval or belittling of someone or something, typically with moral undertones. It implies a sense of disappointment or a call for change in behavior or values.

While other options might carry a sense of criticism or disapproval, they do not capture the same moral context that "deprecate" does. For instance, "denigrate" implies speaking about someone or something in a derogatory manner but does not necessarily carry the same moral weight. "Diatribe" refers to a bitter verbal attack but lacks the nuance of moral disapproval found in "deprecate." Lastly, "discrete" relates to being distinct or separate, which is unrelated to criticism or moral judgment. Thus, "deprecate" is the most fitting term for the context of moral criticism.