pejoration

pej·o·ra·tion  (pj-rshn, pj-)

n.

1. The process or condition of worsening or degenerating.

2. Linguistics The process by which the meaning of a word becomes negative or less elevated over a period of time, as silly, which formerly meant "deserving sympathy, helpless or simple," has come to mean "showing a lack of good sense, frivolous."

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[Medieval Latin pirti, pirtin-, from Late Latin pirtus, past participle of pirre, to make worse, from Latin pior, worse; see ped- in Indo-European roots.]

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pejoration [ˌpiːdʒəˈreɪʃən]

n

1. (Linguistics) Linguistics semantic change whereby a word acquires unfavourable connotations the English word ``silly'' changed its meaning from ``holy'' or ``happy'' by pejoration Compare amelioration [3]

2. the process of worsening; deterioration

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pejoration

depreciation, loss, or diminution in value, quality, etc.

See also: Decaying