debase

[dih-beys]

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

debase

/ dɪˈbeɪsɪdnɪs, dɪˈbeɪs /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of debase¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of debase¹

C16: see _de- , _base ²

Example Sentences

Congratulations — you correctly predicted that governments would debase currencies while lying about it.

Read more on MarketWatch

White supremacy debases Jesus’ actual teachings of radical equality, just as it makes democracy impossible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It will stop at nothing to debase and dehumanize any opposition — openly acknowledging that it dreams of burying in excrement even those who peacefully object.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Argentina has a history of debasing its currency, which is why its people keep billions of dollars in coffee cans, home safes and mattresses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The late Roman Empire undermined its commercial economy through centralization, regulation and debasing the currency.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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