desegregate

/ˈdiˌsɛgrəˈgeɪt/

Other forms: desegregated; desegregating; desegregates

To desegregate is to stop separating groups of people by race, religion, or ethnicity. When a city desegregates its schools, it makes sure that all schools have racially diverse populations.

The verb desegregate is the opposite of segregate, or "separate by race or religion." Both words are often used in connection with the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. In 1954, the Brown v Board of Education case desegregated public schools in the U.S., ruling that separate publicly funded schools for black and white students were unconstitutional.

Definitions of desegregate

1. verb

   open (a place) to members of all races and ethnic groups
   “This school is completely desegregated”

   synonyms: integrate, mix

   antonyms:

   segregate

   separate by race or religion; practice a policy of racial segregation