derogation

American  

[der-uh-gey-shuhn] / ˌdɛr əˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of weakening, lessening, or taking away power or authority.

   Nixon’s impeachment was based in part on his bombing campaign in Cambodia and the resulting derogation of the power of the Congress to declare war.

2. a limit, retraction, or removal, especially of a law or right.

   In some circumstances, derogations of the right of access to a lawyer may be necessary.

3. the act of belittling or disparaging a person or thing.

   The derogation of the author’s credentials is sadly typical of today’s anti-intellectual atmosphere.

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Other Word Forms

• nonderogation noun

Etymology

Origin of derogation

First recorded in 1540–50; from French dérogation, from Latin dērogātiōn-, stem of dērogātiō “a repeal, restriction”; derogate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Explanation

When someone puts down or ridicules another person or group, that's derogation. Your sister might think her constant teasing is all in good fun, but if you view it as derogation, you should tell her to cut it out. You'll often find this word used as a mass noun, to talk about entire categories or groups of people, like when business owners contribute to the derogation of homeless people by claiming they may be dangerous to their customers. You can also use it more generally to mean "belittlement." In legal jargon, derogation refers to a law whose effects are limited by its partial repeal.

Example Sentences

A central committee of senior BMA doctors makes decisions on each derogation request.

From BBC • Jul. 28, 2025

Sugar-beet farmer Michael Sly, who has land across north Cambridgeshire and south Lincolnshire and is the chair of the NFU's sugar board, said he was "relieved" the derogation had been granted.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2024

In a letter to NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, BMA Chairman Professor Philip Banfield said the refusal of hospitals to provide the necessary data “is fundamentally undermining the derogation process.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2024

"The Commission found that the requirements for a derogation were met and therefore it approved on 4 April 2023 the derogation request subject to conditions."

From Reuters • Apr. 4, 2023

His remark was not intended for flippancy nor even derogation.

From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner