abase

[uh-beys]

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.

abase

/ əˈbeɪs /

verb

1. to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

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

Other Word Forms

• abasement noun
• abaser noun
• unabasing 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

It is designed at its most fundamental level to humble and to abase—to constantly remind even its greatest practitioners that this game is ultimately an exercise in failure.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I find myself captivated by how easily he abases himself without getting maudlin.

Read more on New York Times

Much of the classical music industry has since abased itself at Mäkelä’s feet.

Read more on New York Times

It remains to be seen if Kevin McCarthy manages to abase himself enough to squeak through and get the ceremonial Speaker's gavel.

Read more on Salon

Ask Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who endured all that and more only to abase himself as one of Trump's most loyal lapdogs.

Read more on Salon