24 February 2014

derogate

[v. der-uh-geyt; adj. der-uh-git, -geyt]

verb (used without object), der·o·gat·ed, der·o·gat·ing.

1. to detract, as from authority, estimation, etc. (usually followed by from ).
2. to stray in character or conduct; degenerate (usually followed by from ).

verb (used with object), der·o·gat·ed, der·o·gat·ing.

3. to disparage or belittle.
4. Archaic. to take away (a part) so as to impair the whole.

adjective
5. Archaic. debased.
Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin dērogātus repealed, restricted (past participle of dērogāre ), equivalent to dē- de- + rog ( āre ) to ask + -ātus -ate1

Related forms
der·o·ga·tion, noun
non·der·o·ga·tion, noun
un·der·o·gat·ing, adjective

Can be confused: abdicate, abrogate, arrogate, derogate.

Synonyms
1. See decry.

Anagram

agreed to
trade ego
date goer

Today’s aphorism

Five percent of the people think;
ten percent of the people think they think;
and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.

― Thomas Edison

On this day

24 February 1872 – death of William Webb Ellis, Anglican clergyman who is credited for creating Rugby Union after allegedly picking up the ball during a soccer match and running with it, while a student at Rugby School. Born 24 November 1806.

24 February 1955 – birth of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Died 5 October 2011.

24 February 2008 – death of Larry Norman, pioneering Christian rock musician.