| dexterity | Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands | |
| devolve | Transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration | |
| devoid | entirely lacking or free from | |
| desuetude | a state of disuse or inactivity | |
| despot | A ruler with absolute power, often ruling with oppression or cruelty | |
| despoiled | To steal or violently remove valuable possessions from; plunder | |
| desiccated | Having had all moisture removed; dried out | |
| desecrate | To treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect; to violate | |
| derivative | Something that is based on another source | |
| deride | To laugh at mockingly, scorn | |