[der.o.gate] vb -gat.ed ; -gat.ing [ME, fr. LL derogatus, pp. of derogare, fr. L, to annul (a law), detract, fr. de- + rogare to ask, propose (a law)--more at right] vt (15c): to cause to seem inferior: disparage ~ vi 1: to take away a part so as to impair: detract
2: to act beneath one's position or character -- der.o.ga.tion n -- de.ro.ga.tive adj