derogate

[ verb der-uh-geyt; adjective der-uh-git, -geyt ]

verb (used without object)

, der·o·gat·ed, der·o·gat·ing.

1. to detract, as from authority, estimation, etc. (usually followed by from ).
2. to stray in character or conduct; degenerate (usually followed by from ).

verb (used with object)

, der·o·gat·ed, der·o·gat·ing.

1. to disparage or belittle.
2. Archaic. to take away (a part) so as to impair the whole.

adjective

1. Archaic. debased.

derogate

/ dɪˈrɒɡətɪv /

verb

1. intrfoll byfrom to cause to seem inferior or be in disrepute; detract
2. intrfoll byfrom 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)

adjective

1. archaic.
   debased or degraded

Derived Forms

• deˈrogatively, adverb
• derogative, adjective
• ˈderogately, adverb
• ˌderoˈgation, noun

Other Words From

• der·o·ga·tion [der-, uh, -, gey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• un·der·o·gat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derogate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin dērogātus “repealed, restricted” (past participle of dērogāre ), equivalent to dē- de- + rog(āre) “to ask” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of derogate¹

C15: from Latin dērogāre to repeal some part of a law, modify it, from de- + rogāre to ask, propose a law

Synonym Study

See decry.

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

"The Elections Clause does not derogate from state courts' authority to decide what state election law is, including whether it comports with state and U.S. Constitutions," the conference's lawyers wrote.

From Reuters

In his zeal, Francis then issued four separate executive decrees during the two-year investigation giving prosecutors sweeping powers to investigate even “where necessary to derogate from” existing laws, to conduct wiretaps and to suspend Vatican confidentiality rules for documents.

From Seattle Times

A US summary of negotiating objectives issued in May included this: “Establish rules that will ensure that Kenya does not waive or derogate from the protections afforded in environmental laws for the purpose of encouraging trade or investment.”

From The Guardian

A U.S. summary of negotiating objectives issued in May included this: “Establish rules that will ensure that Kenya does not waive or derogate from the protections afforded in environmental laws for the purpose of encouraging trade or investment.”

From Washington Times