Pejoration

Pronunciation: /ˈpiˈiˈdʒeɪˈɔɹeɪʃən/

Pejoration (noun)

  1. A change in a word’s meaning so it becomes more negative or insulting over time.
  2. A shift in how people use a term, making it express stronger disapproval than before.

Examples

  • Pejoration happens when a word’s meaning worsens over time.
  • The teacher explained pejoration with examples from everyday speech.