The act of detracting from or diminishing the reputation or importance of someone or something. It involves disparagement that lessens worth or standing.
From Latin 'derogare,' meaning 'to ask away' or 'to detract from' (de- 'away' + rogare 'to ask'). Originally used in legal contexts for repealing parts of laws, it evolved to mean any action that takes away from someone's status or reputation.
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