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Desegregate: meaning, definitions and examples

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desegregate

 

[ ˌdiːˈsɛɡrəˌɡeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social context

To desegregate means to eliminate the practice of segregation, particularly racial segregation, which involves separating individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race or ethnicity. This term is often associated with the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Desegregation aimed to create equal opportunities and promote inclusivity in schools, public facilities, and other areas where segregation was prevalent. The process of desegregation often involved legal actions, protests, and reforms to ensure that all individuals have access to the same rights and privileges regardless of their background.

Synonyms

amalgamate, combine, integrate, unify

Examples of usage

  • The school district worked hard to desegregate its facilities.
  • Legal measures were implemented to desegregate public transportation.
  • The community came together to support efforts to desegregate housing.
  • Activists fought for years to desegregate public schools.

Translations

Translations of the word "desegregate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desagregar

🇮🇳 विभाजन समाप्त करना

🇩🇪 desegregieren

🇮🇩 menghapus segregasi

🇺🇦 десегрегація

🇵🇱 desegregować

🇯🇵 人種隔離を撤廃する

🇫🇷 déségréguer

🇪🇸 desagregar

🇹🇷 ayrımcılığı sona erdirmek

🇰🇷 분리 해제하다

🇸🇦 إلغاء الفصل العنصري

🇨🇿 desegregovat

🇸🇰 desegregovať

🇨🇳 去隔离

🇸🇮 desegregirati

🇮🇸 afskilja

🇰🇿 ажыратуды жою

🇬🇪 დასკვნა

🇦🇿 segregasiyanı ləğv etmək

🇲🇽 desagregar

Word origin

The term 'desegregate' is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' or 'remove' and 'segregate', which comes from the Latin 'segregare', meaning 'to set apart' or 'to separate'. The use of 'segregate' began in the 16th century, primarily in the context of separating groups based on various criteria. However, 'desegregate' became more prominently used during the mid-20th century as civil rights movements gained momentum, particularly in the United States. The push for desegregation was a response to systemic racial divides that permeated American society, affecting education, transportation, and public services. Landmark legal cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, played a pivotal role in desegregation efforts by deeming racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Over time, desegregation became a key goal for various civil rights organizations and activists aiming to promote equality and dismantle institutional racism, leading to significant social and legislative changes.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,698 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.