anti-discrimination
|an-ti-dis-crim-i-na-tion|
/ˌænti.dɪskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/
against unfair treatment
Etymology
'anti-discrimination' originates from Modern English, specifically a compound of the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'antí', meaning 'against') and 'discrimination', which comes from Latin 'discriminare'/'discriminatio', where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'cernere' meant 'to separate'.
'discrimination' changed from Latin 'discriminare' through Old French forms (e.g. 'discriminer') and Middle/early Modern English developments into the modern English 'discrimination'; the compound 'anti-discrimination' was formed in Modern English by adding the prefix 'anti-' to express opposition to discrimination.
Initially, the Latin root meant 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'; over time 'discrimination' came to denote unjust or prejudicial treatment of different groups, and 'anti-discrimination' evolved to mean opposition to such unfair treatment.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the principle, policy, or measures intended to oppose or prevent discrimination against people on grounds such as race, sex, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics.
The organization promotes anti-discrimination in hiring and workplace practices.
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Adjective 1
designed to prevent or oppose discrimination; opposing discriminatory practices.
anti-discrimination legislation
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Last updated: 2025/10/16 20:14