[dis.crim.i.nate] vb -nat.ed ; -nat.ing [L discriminatus, pp. of discriminare, fr. discrimin-, discrimen distinction, fr. discernere to distinguish between--more at discern] vt (1628) 1 a: to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of b: distinguish, differentiate "~ hundreds of colors"
2: to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences; esp: to distinguish from another like object ~ vi 1 a: to make a distinction "~ among historical sources" b: to use good judgment
2: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit "~ in favor of your friends" "~ against a certain nationality"