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

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

You do not have to abase yourself any further.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2017

“Should I abase myself? Rub ashes in my hair? Tear my clothes?”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss