debase
[ dih-beys ]
/ dɪˈbeɪs /
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.
Nearby words
debakey, debanding, debar, debark, debarkation, debase, debasement, debatable, debate, debater, debauch
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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 Formsdebasedness (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
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Word Origin and History for debase
debase
1560s, from de- "down" + base (adj.) "low," on analogy of abase (or, alternatively, from obsolete verb base "to abuse").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper