To reduce the power, capacity, or performance rating of an electrical or mechanical device.
From 'de-' (meaning 'reduce') + 'rate' (meaning a specified level or degree). This technical term emerged in engineering language in the 20th century to describe lowering a machine's operational limits.
Engineers 'derate' equipment to make it last longer and run safer—it's like telling a sports car to drive at school-zone speeds; you're deliberately underusing something to protect it from damage.
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