derogation
Partial repeal allowed
Derogation is the act of diminishing or taking away from something—particularly authority, rights, or reputation.
In legal contexts, a derogation is an exemption or partial repeal of a law: The treaty allows derogation in times of national emergency.
More broadly, to speak in derogation of someone is to disparage them.
The word carries a formal, often legalistic tone.
Criticism meant to diminish
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
- deprecationExpression of strong disapproval
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
scorn · contempt · disdain · insult · slight · sneer · put-down · condescension
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- smearSpread or defame
aspersion · defamation · besmirchment · mudslinging · character assassination · traducement · maligning · backbiting
Formal surrender of rights
- exemptionRelease from requirement
- nullificationFormal cancellation of validity
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
- exceptionDeviation from standard
curtailment · limitation · restriction · modification · annulment · revocation · relaxation · override
disparagement
Criticism meant to diminish
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
- deprecationExpression of strong disapproval
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
ridicule · scorn · contempt · disdain · insult · slight · sneer · put-down · condescension · disrespect
slander
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
smear · aspersion · defamation · besmirchment · mudslinging · character assassination · traducement · maligning · backbiting · impugnment
waiver
Formal surrender of rights
- exemptionRelease from requirement
- nullificationFormal cancellation of validity
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
exception · curtailment · limitation · restriction · modification · annulment · revocation · relaxation · override · departure
discredit
Harm another's reputation
dishonor · disgrace · degradation · shame · infamy · ignominy · opprobrium · stain · blot · black mark
- Exceptionsexception, exemption, exclusion, special case, anomaly
- violationsviolation, infractions, infraction, breach, consent violation
derogationexaltation
Intense joyful elevation
praise · glorification · commendation · acclaim · approbation
derogationratification
Formal approval by authority
affirmation · confirmation · enactment · establishment · validation
derogationaffirmation
Positive statement of truth
ratification · upholding · enforcement · confirmation · validation