derogate

derogate · verb¹

1. Latin · derived fromdērogātus
2. Middle English · inherited fromderogaten
3. English todayderogate

Inherited from Late Middle English derogaten, from derogat(e) (“annulled, abrogated”, used participially and later as the past participle of derogaten) + -en (verb-forming suffix) borrowed from Latin dērogātus, perfect passive participle of dērogō (“to annul, repeal part of a law, take away, detract from”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from dē- (“from”) + rogō (“to ask, enquire; to propose a law”). Sporadic participial usage of the adjective up until Early Modern English.

derogate · adjective²

1. Middle English · inherited fromderogat(e)“annulled, abrogated”
2. English todayderogate

Inherited from Middle English derogat(e) (“annulled, abrogated”, used participially and later as the past participle of derogaten), see Etymology 1 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more.

First known use, by meaning

• 16th–17th c. To partially repeal (a law etc.).
• from 16th c. To detract from (something); to disparage, belittle.
• from 16th c. To take away (something from something else) in a way which leaves it lessened.
• from 16th c. To detract from (a quality of excellence, authority etc.).
• from 17th c. To act in a manner below oneself; to debase oneself.