abase

[ uh-beys ]

verb (used with object)

, a·based, a·bas·ing.

1. to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.

   Synonyms: belittle, debase, dishonor, humiliate

2. Archaic. to lower; put or bring down:

   He abased his head.

abase

/ əˈbeɪs /

verb

1. to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)
2. to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived Forms

• aˈbasement, noun

Other Words From

• a·base·ment noun
• a·bas·er noun
• un·a·bas·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abase¹

First recorded in 1470–80; a- ⁵ + base ²; replacing late Middle English abassen, equivalent to a- ⁵ + bas base ²; replacing Middle English abaissen, abe(i)sen, from Anglo-French abesser, abaisser, Old French abaissier, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + -baissier, from (unattested) Vulgar Latin bassiare, verbal derivative of Late Latin bassus; base ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of abase¹

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base ²

Example Sentences

I knew she would treat me with the same indifference, and only feel a wondering contempt that I should so abase myself.

From Project Gutenberg

Viewed from afar, the town seemed to abase itself in the presence of the architectural preminence of that monarch of buildings.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a foolish impulse to tear it down and to abase himself with a plea for pardon before the silent beast behind the bars.

From Project Gutenberg

Slavery, for example, is abase thing; but a servile mind in a free man is contemptible.

From Project Gutenberg

Violent language can no longer either exalt or abase any one.

From Project Gutenberg