desegregate
UK[ˌdiːˈseɡ.rɪ.ɡeɪt]US[ˌdiːˈseɡ.rə.ɡeɪt]
v
to end a policy or system that keeps people of different races apart, especially in schools, housing, or public facilities.
v
to become open to people of all races.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
segregate
de
reverse
segregate
separate
Etymology
The word 'desegregate' is a modern formation built upon the older verb 'segregate'. Its core, 'segregate', originates from the Latin 'segregare', which combines 'se-' (meaning "apart") and 'grex' (meaning "flock, herd"). This literally meant to separate from the flock. The prefix 'de-', also from Latin, is added to indicate reversal or removal. Therefore, the literal morphemic construction means "to undo the act of separating from the flock." In the mid-20th century, this logical formation was specifically applied to the social and legal context of ending racial separation, transforming the ancient concept of flock separation into a term for achieving civil rights integration.
Analysis
Structure: de (reverse) + segregate (separate)
de- (Latin origin, a prefix meaning "down from, off, reversing, undoing"); segregate (from Latin 'segregatus', past participle of 'segregare' meaning "to separate from the flock, set apart").
Examples
the federal government ordered the school district to desegregate its schools.
the neighborhood began to desegregate after the fair housing law was passed.
the city council voted to desegregate all public parks and swimming pools.