miscegenate etymology

Etymology

The word "miscegenate" comes from two Latin roots:

  • miscere: "to mix"
  • genus: "race, kind"

Therefore, "miscegenate" literally means "to mix races."

Meaning

Miscegenation refers to the interbreeding of people from different races. It is often used in a negative sense to describe the mixing of races that were previously segregated or considered unequal.

Origin

The term "miscegenation" was first used in the United States in the 19th century to justify laws that prohibited interracial marriage. These laws were often used to enforce racial segregation and to maintain white supremacy.

Miscegenation laws were overturned in the United States in 1967 by the Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia. However, the term "miscegenation" is still sometimes used in a derogatory sense to describe interracial relationships.

miscegenate relate terms

  • miscegenation

    Etymology Late 19th century from French miscégenation from miscegenare from Latin m

  • amalgamation

    Etymology The word amalgamation comes from the Latin word amalgama which in turn com

  • diaspora

    Etymology The word diaspora originates from the Greek word διασπορά diaspora

  • deputy

    Etymology Old French depute Latin deputāre to appoint assign de away put

  • discreet

    Etymology of Discreet The word discreet originates from the Latin word discretus

  • spell

    Etymology Spell noun Old English spell meaning a spoken or written formula believ

  • covenant

    Etymology The word covenant is derived from the Old French word covenant which in t

  • innovation

    Etymology The word innovation originates from the Latin word innovatus which means

  • congruent

    Etymology Latin congruens present participle of congruere meaning to come toget

  • ponder

    Etymology The word ponder originates from the Latin verb ponderare which means to w

  • asylum

    Etymology Greek ἄσυλον ásulos meaning unplundered or inviolable Latin

  • missionary

    Etymology Latin missionarius from missīo sending forth expedition Old French