debasement

[dih-beys-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of reducing the quality or value of something.

   The moment any paper currency is firmly linked back to gold, the debasement of paper money stops.

2. the fact or state of being lowered in dignity, character, or importance.

   Rich and greedy, he chose debasement, disgrace, and dishonorable practices in order to get even richer.

Other Word Forms

• self-debasement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debasement¹

debase ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

His lack of confidence in central banks, as well as the dollar’s role in the global economy, dovetails with a Wall Street strategy known as the debasement trade.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Counteracting this fiat currency debasement explains why Howell thinks “it’s not just a question of gold or bitcoin; it’s a question of gold and bitcoin.”

Read more on MarketWatch

“Loose liquidity continues to support Bitcoin as an alternative to fiat and gold as a debasement hedge.”

Read more on Barron's

“Loose liquidity continues to support Bitcoin as an alternative to fiat and gold as a debasement hedge.”

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It has been more than two weeks since gold prices notched record highs, but the debasement trade that has played a key role in the precious metal’s rally this year is alive and well.

Read more on MarketWatch