Derogate: meaning, definitions and examples

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derogate

 

[ ˈdɛrəˌɡeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To derogate is to take away or reduce the rights or privileges of a person or group. This term is often used in legal discussions where certain rights may be diminished or invalidated. For instance, when a new law is enacted, it may derogate previous laws that offered more extensive rights. The act of derogating can sometimes be perceived as unjust when it leads to discrimination or inequality.

Synonyms

abrogate, diminish, invalidate, reduce

Examples of usage

  • The new regulations derogate the previous rights granted to employees.
  • The amendment aimed to derogate certain powers from local authorities.
  • This policy may unintentionally derogate the freedoms of specific communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "derogate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 derrogar

🇮🇳 अवमानना करना

🇩🇪 herabsetzen

🇮🇩 menyimpang

🇺🇦 упосліджувати

🇵🇱 deprecjonować

🇯🇵 軽視する

🇫🇷 déroger

🇪🇸 derogar

🇹🇷 aşağılama

🇰🇷 경시하다

🇸🇦 ازدراء

🇨🇿 zdiskreditovat

🇸🇰 diskreditovať

🇨🇳 贬低

🇸🇮 zniževati

🇮🇸 lækka

🇰🇿 кемсіту

🇬🇪 დამცირება

🇦🇿 kiçiltmək

🇲🇽 derogar

Etymology

The word 'derogate' originates from the Late Latin term 'derogare', which means 'to take away'. This term is composed of the prefix 'de-', meaning 'down from' or 'away', and 'rogare', meaning 'to ask' or 'propose'. In the context of law, 'derogate' specifically refers to the modification or cancellation of legal provisions or rights. The word has been used in English since the early 16th century, maintaining a consistent meaning related to the reduction or negation of rights. Over centuries, it has found its presence in various legal texts, discussions, and cases, reinforcing its relevance in law and governance.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,675, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.