derogate

verb der·o·gate \ ˈder-ə-ˌgāt , ˈde-rə- \

Definition of derogate

derogated; derogating

transitive verb

:to cause to seem inferior :disparage

derogating another's achievements

intransitive verb

1 :to take away a part so as to impair :detract

… a few instances of inaccuracy or mediocrity can never derogate from the superlative merit of Homer and Vergil …
—Oliver Goldsmith

2 :to act beneath one's position or character

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derogation

play \ˌder-ə-ˈgā-shən, ˌde-rə-\ noun

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derogative

play \di-ˈrä-gə-tiv\ adjective

See derogate defined for English-language learners

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Examples of derogate in a Sentence

The title of the book derogates the people it is about.
Her parents are constantly derogating her achievements.

Did You Know?

You're probably familiar with derogatory, the adjective meaning "expressing a low opinion," but you may not be as well-acquainted with the less common verb, derogate. Both words can be traced back to the Late Latin word derogatus, which is the past participle of the verb derogare, meaning "to detract" or "to annul (a law)." Derogare, in turn, derives from the Latin word for "ask," rogare. Derogate first appeared in English in the 15th century. Derogatory was adopted in the early 16th century, and has become much more popular than the verb. Other derogate relatives include derogative, derogation, and derogatorily.

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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