abase
[ uh-beys ]
Origin of abase
1First recorded in 1470–80; a-5 + base2; replacing late Middle English abassen, equivalent to a-5 + bas base2; 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; see base2
Other words for abase
Other words from abase
- a·base·ment, noun
- a·bas·er, noun
- un·a·bas·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for abase
abase
/ (əˈbeɪs) /
verb(tr)
to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)
to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation
Origin of abase
1C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base ²
Derived forms of abase
- abasement, noun
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
Browse