# derogate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈdɛɹəɡeɪt/

## Definitions
1. To partially repeal (a law etc.).
2. To detract from (something); to disparage, belittle.
3. To take away (something from something else) in a way which leaves it lessened.
4. To detract from (a quality of excellence, authority etc.).
5. To act in a manner below oneself; to debase oneself.

## Etymology
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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/derogate