desegregation

American  

[dee-seg-ri-gey-shuhn, dee-seg-] / ˌdi sɛg rɪˈgeɪ ʃən, diˌsɛg- /

noun

1. the elimination of laws, customs, or practices under which people from different religions, ancestries, ethnic groups, etc., are restricted to specific or separate public facilities, neighborhoods, schools, organizations, or the like.

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Other Word Forms

• antidesegregation
  adjective
• desegregationist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of desegregation

First recorded in 1950–55; de- + segregation

Explanation

Desegregation is the process of ending the separation of different racial, religious, or cultural groups. A major goal of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century was desegregation. When you segregate one group of people, you deliberately keep them separate or apart from others. During much of America's history, there has been a policy of segregating African Americans in society — at various times, segregation has existed in the military, housing, jobs, education, and many other areas. Desegregation has attempted to remove this division and to integrate people of all races into the general community. The Latin root is segregatus, "set apart," or "separate from the flock."

Example Sentences

Desegregation, she found, was relatively low on the list; what people most wanted was better housing, jobs and health care.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2021

Desegregation of the military played a key role.

From US News • Oct. 18, 2016

Desegregation is also really complex to get a handle on.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2016

Desegregation was tried, and it was lambasted almost from its beginning by blacks, as well as by whites -- indeed, what basically vacated the requirements laid down by a U.S.

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2014

Desegregation had not altered the essential character of the Permian program.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• assimilation