transitive verb

1. to separate or mark off by differences; perceive or show the difference in; differentiate
2. to be an essential characteristic of; characterize
3. to perceive clearly; recognize plainly by any of the senses
4. to separate and classify
5. to make famous or eminent; give distinction to to distinguish oneself in battle

Etymology: < L distinguere, to separate, discriminate < dis-, apart + -stinguere, to prick < IE base *steig-, to prick, pierce (> stick, Ger sticken, to embroider, Gr stigma) + -ish, sense

intransitive verb