derogate

American  

[der-uh-geyt, der-uh-git, -geyt] / ˈdɛr əˌgeɪt, ˈdɛr ə gɪt, -ˌgeɪt /

verb (used without object)

derogated, derogating

1. to detract, as from authority, estimation, etc. (usually followed byfrom ).

2. to stray in character or conduct; degenerate (usually followed byfrom ).

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verb (used with object)

derogated, derogating

1. to disparage or belittle.

2. Archaic. to take away (a part) so as to impair the whole.

adjective

1. Archaic. debased.

derogate British  

/ dɪˈrɒɡətɪv /

verb

1. to cause to seem inferior or be in disrepute; detract

2. to deviate in standard or quality; degenerate

3. (tr) to cause to seem inferior, etc; disparage

4. (tr) to curtail the application of (a law or regulation)

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adjective

1. archaic debased or degraded

Related Words

See decry.

Other Word Forms

• derogately
  adverb
• derogation
  noun
• derogative
  adjective
• derogatively
  adverb
• underogating
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of derogate

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin dērogātus “repealed, restricted” (past participle of dērogāre ), equivalent to dē- de- + rog(āre) “to ask” + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

When you derogate someone, you belittle them or put them down. If you tend to derogate everyone around you, it's unlikely you'll win the election for class president. It's extremely common in politics to hear a candidate derogate their opponent, or for one political party to derogate another. When they do this, they are focusing on their adversary's weaknesses and faults in an attempt to harm their reputation. This sense of weakening someone's reputation dates from the 15th century, and it stems from the Latin derogare, "take away," a root derogate shares with derogatory.

Example Sentences

Derogate, der′o-gāt, v.i. to lessen by taking away: to detract.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various