Main Entry: dis·crim·i·nate

Pronunciation: \dis-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): dis·crim·i·nat·ed; dis·crim·i·nat·ing

Etymology: Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare, from discrimin-, discrimen distinction, from discernere to distinguish between — more at discern

Date: 1628

transitive verb 1 a : to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of b : distinguish, differentiate <discriminate hundreds of colors>
2 : to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences; especially : to distinguish from another like objectintransitive verb 1 a : to make a distinction <discriminate among historical sources> b : to use good judgment
2 : to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit <discriminate in favor of your friends> <discriminate against a certain nationality>