To "deride" someone is to:

To "deride" someone means to speak of them with contempt, often through mocking or belittling language. This term carries a negative connotation, indicating an intention to diminish the value or worth of the person being spoken about. It suggests scorn and a lack of respect, which distinguishes it from other options that imply positive or neutral interactions.

For instance, to encourage and support someone would involve uplifting and validating them, which is quite the opposite of deriding. Similarly, promoting a positive image of someone would entail highlighting their strengths and virtues, further contrasting with the act of derision. Engaging in a friendly discussion implies a respectful exchange of ideas, which again does not align with the contemptuous nature of deriding. Therefore, speaking of someone with contempt accurately encapsulates the essence of the word "deride."