What does segregated mean?
Segregated describes people, institutions, or spaces that are kept apart from one another, usually because of law, government policy, or established social custom. The word is especially important in discussions of racial, ethnic, religious, and class divisions, including segregated schools, neighborhoods, transportation, and public facilities. It can also function as a verb meaning to separate groups or place them in distinct categories. While a simple separation might occasionally be neutral, “segregated” commonly suggests an imposed and often unequal arrangement. Its history reflects the longstanding use of legal and social systems to control where different groups live, learn, work, and participate in public life. Understanding the word therefore connects ordinary vocabulary with questions of equality, discrimination, and institutional power.
Separated from others, especially people of different races, ethnic groups, religions, or social categories, often by law, policy, or custom.
"The investigation documented the systematic use of segregated schools and discriminatory housing policies."
The adjective is strongly associated with racial and social separation when used without qualification.
To separate people, groups, or things from one another, especially by law, policy, or social custom.
"The government segregated the population into districts based on ethnicity."
This form is the past tense and past participle of segregate.
A word rooted in the idea of separating sheep from the flock now describes one of society’s most persistent forms of injustice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does segregated come from?
The word comes from Latin segregare, literally “to separate from the flock,” formed from se- meaning “apart” and grex meaning “flock.” English adopted the word in the 19th century, and its modern use developed especially in legal, social, and racial contexts.
Related word forms
How segregated is actually used
In contemporary usage, the word most often carries a strong social and historical connotation, especially when describing racial or ethnic separation. It can also be used more neutrally for physical or organizational division, although that use is less common.
Easily confused with segregated
Separate means distinct or kept apart, whereas segregated often implies that a division is enforced or maintained by law, policy, or social custom.