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Definition of desegregate

desegregate

/diːˈsɛɡ.rə.ɡeɪt/
de · seg · re · gate
Adjective:desegregated
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Past Simple:desegregated
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Past Participle:desegregated
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Present Participle:desegregating
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desegregate Lexical Profile

desegregate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To end a policy or practice of racial, ethnic, or social segregation in an institution, facility, or community; to open to members of all races or groups.

Example

"The landmark Supreme Court ruling required public school districts across the nation to desegregate their classrooms."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for desegregate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for desegregate

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'desegregate' and 'integrate' are closely related, 'desegregate' specifically refers to the legal or administrative removal of racial barriers, whereas 'integrate' implies the active social and cultural blending of diverse groups on an equal footing.

• Rhymes for desegregate

• Nearby Words

desecration
desecrator
deseed
desegregate
desegregation
deselect
deselection

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the early 1950s during the civil rights movement, formed by adding the privative prefix 'de-' to 'segregate' (from Latin 'segregatus', meaning 'separated from the flock').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Desegregate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/desegregate
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