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discrimination Definition

dis·crimi·na·tion (di skrim′i nā′s̸hən)

noun

  1. the act of discriminating, or distinguishing differences
  2. the ability to make or perceive distinctions; perception; discernment
    1. partiality, or bias, in the treatment of a person or group, which is unfair, illegal, etc.
    2. an act, policy, pattern of behavior, etc. characterized by such partiality

Etymology: L discriminatio

discrimination Synonyms

discrimination

n.

  1. The power to make distinctions

    discernment, perception, acuteness, taste; see acumen, judgment 1, taste 3.

  2. The act of drawing a distinction

    separation, differentiation, difference; see distinction 1.

  3. Partiality

    unfairness, bias, bigotry; see hatred 2, prejudice.

discrimination Law Definition

n

The act of denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment, or access to facilities available to all others, to an individual or group of people because of their race, age, gender, handicap or other defining characteristic. See also reverse discrimination.
discrimination Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • outlaw: Legislation to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of age is due by December 2006.
  • eliminate: The Equal Opportunities Commission Is the leading agency working to eliminate sex discrimination in 21st Century Britain.
  • prohibit: The United Kingdom is obliged by the European Union to prohibit age discrimination by October 2006.
  • tackle: We have worked with employers to provide them with guidance on tackling work place discrimination faced by LGB people.
  • combat: Scotland's disabled rights watchdog launched a massive brainstorming session at Stirling University to combat discrimination.
  • eradicate: Q: To what extent can mediation help eradicate discrimination?

Converse of subject

  • taint: Back to top I s the study tainted by sex discrimination?

Adjective modifier

  • racial: The Council will not tolerate any form of racial discrimination, either direct or indirect.
  • indirect: Examples of indirect sex discrimination are less likely to arise.
  • unlawful: In October 2006 the law will be amended to include unlawful discrimination on the ground of age.
  • unfair: Compensation for unfair discrimination: effect of social security benefits paid.
  • blatant: What this new legislation should do is put an end to the blatant discrimination routinely practiced against trainee-teachers in schools up until now.
  • sexual: Topics covered include pregnancy and maternity leave, investment issues, sexual discrimination and much more.

Preposition: on

  • ground: Discrimination on the grounds of age will become unlawful from October 2006.

Noun used with modifier

  • sex: Examples of indirect sex discrimination are less likely to arise.
  • disability: In Scotland, legal claims for disability discrimination in schools can only be brought in the Sheriff court.
  • age: The United Kingdom is obliged by the European Union to prohibit age discrimination by October 2006.
  • gender: The authors found no evidence of direct gender discrimination in the allocation of training by employers.

Preposition: in

  • workplace: In December 2003, the government introduced legislation making discrimination in the workplace over sexual preference illegal.

Modifies a noun

  • legislation: The European Court's decision does not address the impact of age discrimination legislation on the use of length of service criterion.
discrimination Quotes

Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at negroes in every waking moment of their lives, to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them.

—King, Martin LutherJr