abase

American  

[uh-beys] / əˈbeɪs /

verb (used with object)

abased, abasing

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.

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abase British  

/ əˈbeɪs /

verb

1. to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2. to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

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Other Word Forms

• abasement noun
• abaser noun
• unabasing adjective

Etymology

Origin of abase

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

Example Sentences

This legal tactic—a sensible move by any defense attorney—would abase the proceedings with another cliché of human banalities: the family squabble.

From Slate • Oct. 18, 2021

Why do you need to abase and demean me?

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2018

More than that, he’s willing to abase himself in extraordinary ways.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2018

They were happy to express grief and condolence, and willing to abase themselves in general terms for their unworthiness.

From The Guardian • Aug. 24, 2017

And yet when he says, “I am from outer space,” some of you actually shut your eyes, abase your intellects, and believe!

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin