segregate

UK: /ˈseɡ.rɪ.ɡeɪt/ | US: /ˈseɡ.rə.ɡeɪt/

Definition
  1. vt. to separate or set apart from others or from the main group

  2. vt. to impose the separation of (a racial, ethnic, or religious group) from the rest of society

Structure
se <apart>greg <flock/herd>ate <verb suffix>se <apart>greg <flock/herd>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "segregate" originates from Latin segregatus (past participle of segregare), combining se- (apart) and gregare (to gather or herd). It originally described the act of separating livestock from a herd, later evolving metaphorically to denote social or racial separation. The root greg- appears in related words like "congregate" (gather together) and "gregarious" (sociable), highlighting the contrast between unity and division.

Examples
  1. The school was criticized for policies that segregated students by ability.

  2. Historically, many societies segregated minority groups from mainstream communities.

  3. The lab protocol requires segregating contaminated samples to avoid cross-contact.

  4. Birds often segregate into smaller flocks during migration.

  5. Modern urban planning aims to avoid segregating neighborhoods by income.