Definition of: derogate

(der′ə·gāt) v. ·gat·ed, ·gat·ing v.i.
1. To take away; detract, as from reputation, honor, or powers: with from: The charge cannot derogate from his honor.
2. To do something derogatory to one's character or position; degenerate.
—v.t.
3. Archaic To take away so as to cause loss or impairment.
4. Obs. To disparage.
—adjective (der′ə git, -gāt) Derogated. [<L derogatus, pp. of derogare <de- away + rogare ask, propose a law]
—der′o·gate·ly adverb