dis·crim·i·nate /dis-'kri-mə-ˌnāt/ vi -nat·ed, -nat·ing: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit; esp: to make a difference in treatment on a basis prohibited by law (as national origin, race, sex, religion, age, or disability) see also bona fide occupational qualification, equal protection, reverse discrimination, suspect class; civil rights act of 1964 in the important laws section amendment xiv to the constitution in the back matter
dis·crim·i·na·tion /dis-ˌkri-mə-'nā-shən/ n
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.