Definition of derogate

< dernier cri

derogative >

der·o·gate    (dr-gt) KEY 

VERB:
der·o·gat·ed, der·o·gat·ing, der·o·gates
VERB:
intr.

1. To take away; detract: an error that will derogate from your reputation.
2. To deviate from a standard or expectation; go astray.

VERB:
tr.

To disparage; belittle. See Synonyms at decry.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English derogaten, from Latin drogre, drogt- : d-, de- + rogre, to ask; see reg- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
dero·gation(Noun)