debase

American  

[dih-beys] / dɪˈbeɪs /

verb (used with object)

debased, debasing

1. to reduce in quality or value; adulterate.

   They debased the value of the dollar.

   Synonyms:

   defile, pollute, contaminate, corrupt, vitiate, lower

2. to lower in rank, dignity, or significance.

   He wouldn't debase himself by doing manual labor.

   Synonyms:

   reduce, demean, abase, degrade

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debase British  

/ dɪˈbeɪsɪdnɪs, dɪˈbeɪs /

verb

1. (tr) to lower in quality, character, or value, as by adding cheaper metal to coins; adulterate

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Other Word Forms

• debasedness noun
• debasement noun
• debaser noun
• debasingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of debase

First recorded in 1555–65; de- + base ²; abase

Example Sentences

These stories tell us that Diogenes was chased out of his native Sinope, on the north coast of what’s now Turkey, for his supposed role in a scheme to debase the city’s currency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

I knew he was trying to be menacing, but I didn’t feel fear so much as astonishment at the way this adult was willing to debase himself to ruin our night.

From Slate • Feb. 10, 2025

As the string score starts having palpitations, “Babygirl” threatens to debase itself by becoming a throwback thriller.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2024

Trust me, I’ve made the mistake of debating perhaps the world’s most infamous anti-vaccine figure, and all it does is debase science and harm the public.

From Scientific American • Jun. 29, 2023

And yet, if my best reason for staying in peculiardom didn’t want me anymore, I wouldn’t debase myself by clinging to her.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• cheapen
• demean
• demoralize
• disgrace
• dishonor
• humiliate