Option 1: Combat -> means to fight or oppose something physically or actively, not specifically about speaking negatively.
Option 2: Belittle -> means to make someone or something seem unimportant or of little value, which directly aligns with disparaging.
Option 3: Applaud -> means to praise or show approval, which is the opposite of disparage.
Option 4: Resist -> means to withstand or oppose something, but doesn't convey the act of speaking critically about someone or something.
Hence, Option 2: Belittle -> "Disparage" means to criticize or speak of someone/something in a way that shows you think they have little value or importance. "Belittle" carries the same meaning of diminishing worth or importance -> correct