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First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin dērogātus “repealed, restricted” (past participle of dērogāre ), equivalent to dē- de- + rog(āre) “to ask” + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

One option to deal with the shortfall would be to allow Kilroot to temporarily derogate from its environmental permits though the legality and cost of that is unclear.

From BBC

It was entirely proper to tell this patient to stop using racist or homophobic slurs — language that’s offensive whether or not it is addressed to those it derogates.

From New York Times

McConnell notes that early executive-legislative skirmishes over information were couched in language about congressional “requests” for information that implicitly acknowledged presidential authority, not subpoenas that derogated it.

From Washington Post

I don’t want to seem like I’m derogating these other films.

From Los Angeles Times

They note that Switzerland and European Economic Area countries are able to derogate from those strict inspection rules.

From BBC