debase

[ dih-beys ]
/ dɪˈbeɪs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR debase ON THESAURUS.COM

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

to reduce in quality or value; adulterate: They debased the value of the dollar.
to lower in rank, dignity, or significance: He wouldn't debase himself by doing manual labor.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of debase

1555–65; de- + base2; cf. abase

OTHER WORDS FROM debase

Words nearby debase

debag, debakey, debanding, debar, debark, debase, debatable, debate, debauch, debauched, debauchee
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to debase

disgrace, dishonor, cheapen, demean, demoralize, humiliate, impair, defile, pervert, vitiate, lower, debauch, humble, reduce, cripple, devalue, abase, corrupt, enfeeble, disable

Example sentences from the Web for debase

British Dictionary definitions for debase

debase
/ (dɪˈbeɪs) /

verb

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

Derived forms of debase

debasedness (dɪˈbeɪsɪdnɪs), noundebasement, noundebaser, noundebasingly, adverb

Word Origin for debase

C16: see de-, 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