derogation

[ der-uh-gey-shuhn ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·der·o·ga·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of derogation¹

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

Example Sentences

The authority said it had asked for a derogation for special school staff, but this had been declined.

From BBC

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

The union accused NHS bosses of misusing the system known as derogation and bowing to political pressure to undermine the strike.

From BBC

Ms Cullen added that any derogations being sought by other organisations would be given "very careful consideration" to ensure critical areas of care can continue.

From BBC

In another study, van der Linden and his colleagues found that what really drove engagement on social media was hurling dirt and insults at the other side — technically called “outgroup derogation.”

From Seattle Times