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”; see 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

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 department said it was "committed to resolving this dispute" but called for a "derogation for winter service for the next few days".

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2023

Such a derogation "would enable EU operating lessors to seek authorisation to transfer ownership of aircraft formerly leased to Russian lessees or their Russian insurers," it said.

From Reuters • Dec. 22, 2022

For services such as intensive care there will be a complete derogation - all nursing staff will be expected to work.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2022

His remark was not intended for flippancy nor even derogation.

From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner