discrimination

dis-crim-i-na-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The unjust treatment of different categories of people, especially on grounds of race, age, sex, or disability.

  2. 2.

    Recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another.

  3. 3.

    The ability to judge what is of high quality; good taste or discernment.

Related words

Antonyms: equality, fairness, impartiality
See also: bias, equality, prejudice
Synonyms: bias, bigotry, intolerance, prejudice

Etymology

From Latin discriminare meaning "to divide, separate," from discrimen meaning "distinction, difference." The negative social meaning developed in the mid-20th century during the civil rights era.