debase

[ dih-beys ]

See synonyms for: debase debased debasing 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.

Origin of debase

First recorded in 1555–65; de- + base²; cf. abase

Other words for debase

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

See synonyms for debase on Thesaurus.com

Other words from debase

de·base·ment, noun
de·bas·er, noun
de·bas·ing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use debase in a sentence

He isn't purposely debasing the currency or setting the stage for massive inflation.
Stop Blaming Ben! | Charlie Gasparino | November 17, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
But lying talk radio hosts hurt us all by debasing our democracy's ongoing conversation.
Mark Levin's Big Lie | Conor Friedersdorf | April 29, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Lying talk radio hosts hurt us all by debasing our democracy's ongoing conversation.
Mark Levin's Big Lie | Conor Friedersdorf | April 29, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
If old people arrive with new ideas, even if the path they take to high office is a little debasing, we will be well served.
Washington's New Marriages Of Convenience | David Rothkopf | November 21, 2008 | THE DAILY BEAST
It was a debasing, lowering occurrence, and he felt sure that it could hardly have taken place in his servants' hall.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood

Did you not see his crooked claws when he set the bowl before you, that you might wallow in the debasing drink?
Skipper Worse | Alexander Lange Kielland
Materialism, it is objected, makes of man a mere machine, which is considered very debasing to the human race.
Superstition In All Ages (1732) | Jean Meslier
The situation of Miriam during her exclusion from the camp suggest an observation on the debasing nature of sin.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. I | Francis Augustus Cox
It is a disgrace to be always wishing to shine; it is debasing to mount to the heights and then sink into the mire with the mob!
Bouvard and Pcuchet, part 2 | Gustave Flaubert

British Dictionary definitions for debase

debase

/ (dɪˈbeɪs) /

verb

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

Origin of debase

C16: see de-, base ²

Derived forms of debase

debasedness (dɪˈbeɪsɪdnɪs), noun
debasement, noun
debaser, noun
debasingly, adverb

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

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