discreminate

Verb

discriminate (third-person singular simple present discriminates, present participle discriminating, simple past and past participle discriminated)

1. (intransitive) To make distinctions.
   • Since he was color blind he was unable to discriminate between the blue and green bottles.

   Synonyms:

   distinguish

2. To treat or affect differently, depending on differences in traits.
   • Low self-esteem can affect both rich and poor people: it doesn't discriminate.
   1. (intransitive) To make decisions harmful to (a person or group) based on prejudice.
      • The law prohibits discriminating against people based on their skin color.
   2. (intransitive, uncommon) To infringe upon (a person's rights) in a prejudicial manner.
      • The ordinance condones immorality and discriminates against my children's rights to grow up in a healthy, decent community.1977 January 19, Anita Bryant, quotee, “Bias Against Homosexuals Is Outlawed in Miami”, in The New York Times, page 14
3. (transitive) To set apart as being different; to mark as different; to separate from another by discerning differences; to distinguish.
   • To discriminate the goats from the sheep.1670-7, Isaac Barrow, “Sermon XX: Against rash Censuring and Judging”, in The Theological Works, volume 1, published 1818, page 448

See all 6 meanings of discriminate