abase

[ uh-beys ]
/ əˈbeɪs /

verb (used with object), a·based, a·bas·ing.

to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.
Archaic. to lower; put or bring down: He abased his head.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
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Origin of abase

1470–80; a-5 + base2; replacing late Middle English abassen, equivalent to a-5 + bas base2; replacing Middle English abaissen, abe(i)sen < Anglo-French abesser, abaisser, Old French abaissier, equivalent + a- a-5 + -baissier < Vulgar Latin *bassiare, verbal derivative of Late Latin bassus; see base2

SYNONYMS FOR abase

1 humiliate, dishonor, defame, belittle.

OTHER WORDS FROM abase

a·base·ment, nouna·bas·er, nounun·a·bas·ing, adjective

Words nearby abase

abandonee, abandonware, abapical, abaptiston, abarognosis, abase, abased, abash, abashed, abasia, abasia trepidans
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for abaser

abase
/ (əˈbeɪs) /

verb (tr)

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

Derived forms of abase

abasement, noun

Word Origin for abase

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012