debase

[dih-beys]

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.

Origin of debase

1555–65; de- + base²; cf. abase

Related formsde·bas·ed·ness

[dih-bey-sid-nis, -beyst-] /dɪˈbeɪ sɪd nɪs, -ˈbeɪst-/, nounde·base·ment, nounde·bas·er, nounde·bas·ing·ly, adverbself-de·base·ment, nounun·de·based, adjective

Synonyms for debase

1. lower, vitiate, corrupt; contaminate, pollute, defile. 2. degrade, abase, demean, reduce.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for debaser

Historical Examples of debaser

When I pressed him closer, he said he had been present at one hanging at Tyburn, but that was of a debaser of coins.
Sir Ludar
Talbot Baines Reed
Of Ephraim, the debaser of the coin, we have spoken; also of the king's manner towards Jews.
Jewish Literature and Other Essays
Gustav Karpeles

British Dictionary definitions for debaser

debase

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for debaser

debase

1560s, from de- "down" + base (adj.) "low," on analogy of abase (or, alternatively, from obsolete verb base "to abuse").