v. 1 intr. (often foll. by between) make or see a distinction; differentiate (cannot discriminate between right and wrong). 2 intr. make a distinction, esp. unjustly and on the basis of race, colour, or sex. 3 intr. (foll. by against) select for unfavourable treatment. 4 tr. (usu. foll. by from) make or see or constitute a difference in or between (many things discriminate one person from another). 5 intr. observe distinctions carefully; have good judgement. 6 tr. mark as distinctive; be a distinguishing feature of. discriminately adv. discriminative adj. discriminator n. discriminatory adj.
[ L discriminare f. discrimen -minis distinction f. discernere DISCERN ]