discriminate

present singular third person discriminates · participle present discriminating · participle past discriminated · past discriminated

1. intransitiveTo make distinctions.

   Since he was color blind he was unable to discriminate between the blue and green bottles.

   Synonyms: distinguish

2. To treat or affect differently, depending on differences in traits.

   Low self-esteem can affect both rich and poor people: it doesn't discriminate.

   1. intransitiveTo make decisions harmful to (a person or group) based on prejudice.

      The law prohibits discriminating against people based on their skin color.

      2 more examples

      “The more a young person is discriminated against, the more likely they will experience emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues and even suicidal ideation,” said Duffy, who specializes in work with teens, parents, couples and families, and wrote the book “Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety.”

      2021 November 8, Kristen Rogers, “Discrimination of any kind can lead to much higher risk of mental and behavioral issues for young people, study finds”, in CNN, archived from the original on 09 Dec 2022

      The Office for Civil Rights said that it sent letters under its authority to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which bans any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color, and national origin.

      2025 March 10, Karina Tsui and Elizabeth Wolfe, “Department of Education investigating 60 colleges and universities over antisemitism claims”, in CNN, archived from the original on 29 Apr 2025

      Synonyms: disfavor

   2. intransitiveuncommonTo infringe upon (a person's rights) in a prejudicial manner.

      The ordinance condones immorality and discriminates against my children's rights to grow up in a healthy, decent community.

      1977 January 19, Anita Bryant, quotee, “Bias Against Homosexuals Is Outlawed in Miami”, in The New York Times, page 14

      2 more examples

      There's also expected to be a ruling out of Washington over Texas' efforts to impose a restrictive new voter law that many minority groups allege discriminates against their right to vote.

      2012 August 28, “Federal court finds discrimination in new Texas voting maps”, in CBS News, archived from the original on 20 Jul 2019

      Under the RHA, a person can sue the State of Illinois or local governments like cities and counties if they improperly deny, interfere with, or discriminate against the person’s fundamental rights to make their own reproductive health decisions.

      2019 June 20, “Illinois Reproductive Health Act FAQ”, in ACLU Illinois, archived from the original on 06 Jul 2019

3. transitiveTo set apart as being different; to mark as different; to separate from another by discerning differences; to distinguish.

   To discriminate the goats from the sheep.

   1670-7, Isaac Barrow, “Sermon XX: Against rash Censuring and Judging”, in The Theological Works, volume 1, published 1818, page 448

   1 more example

   Still stranger much, that when at length mankind Had reach'd the sinewy firmness of their youth, And could discriminate and argue well On subjects more mysterious

   1785, William Cowper, “Book V. The Winter Morning Walk.”, in The Task, a Poem, […], London: […] J[oseph] Johnson; […], →OCLC, page 195

comparative more discriminate · superlative most discriminate

1. Having its differences marked; distinguished by certain tokens.

   Nevertheless it is certain, that oisters, and cockles, and mussels, which move not, have no discriminate sex

   1627 (indicated as 1626), Francis [Bacon], “IX. Century.”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], London: […] William Rawley […]; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […], →OCLC