1. instances or processes of a word or phrase becoming worse in meaning or acquiring a more negative connotation over time
Usage: plural form; linguistics and historical semantics term
2. the act or result of making something worse or lowering its quality or status
Usage: plural form; less common usage

Examples

• The pejorations of words like 'silly' and 'crafty' show how language meanings evolve over centuries.
• Linguists study pejorations to understand cultural attitudes reflected in vocabulary changes.
• The word 'villain' underwent one of the most notable pejorations in English, shifting from a peasant to an evil character.
• Historical pejorations often reveal social prejudices embedded in language.
• The pejorations of certain terms demonstrate how negative associations can become permanent in a language.