First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
derogate
verb der·o·gate \ˈder-ə-ˌgāt, ˈde-rə-\
: to insult (someone or something) : to say or suggest that (something or someone) is not important or worthy of respect
der·o·gat·edder·o·gat·ing
Full Definition of DEROGATE
transitive verb
: to cause to seem inferior : disparage
intransitive verb
1
: to take away a part so as to impair : detract
2
: to act beneath one's position or character
— der·o·ga·tion \ˌder-ə-ˈgā-shən, ˌde-rə-\ noun
— de·ro·ga·tive \di-ˈrä-gə-tiv\ adjective
See derogate defined for English-language learners
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Origin of DEROGATE
Middle English, from Late Latin derogatus, past participle of derogare, from Latin, to annul (a law), detract, from de- + rogare to ask, propose (a law) — more at right
Related to DEROGATE
Rhymes with DEROGATE
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