Definition of "discriminate" []

• To make a clear distinction; distinguish: discriminate among the options available. (verb-intransitive)
• To make sensible decisions; judge wisely. (verb-intransitive)
• To make distinctions on the basis of class or category without regard to individual merit; show preference or prejudice: was accused of discriminating against women; discriminated in favor of his cronies. (verb-intransitive)
• To perceive the distinguishing features of; recognize as distinct: discriminate right from wrong. (verb-transitive)
• To distinguish by noting differences; differentiate: unable to discriminate colors. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "To claim that not allowing the bank to racially discriminate is an entitlement program clearly shows that."
• "Wanting to allow someone to discriminate is not racist any more than wanting to allow someone to speak racist things is racist."
• "To defend the rights of racists to discriminate is reprehensible and especially so when it is done by a major party nominee for the U.S. Senate ...."