declass

[dee-klas, -klahs]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove or degrade from one's social class, position, or rank; lower in status.

declass

/ diːˈklɑːs /

verb

1. (tr) to lower in social status or position; degrade

Word History and Origins

Origin of declass¹

From the French word déclasser, dating back to 1885–90. See de-, class

Example Sentences

And finally, I sometimes fancy that the drama must have taken place as follows: A man, a suspicious character, a declass�, hears or discovers that there are important political documents in my house.

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He had more enemies than any President ever had, including Declass�, himself another staunch Dreyfusard, in whose talents as a diplomatist he had such confidence.

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In 1905 Declass� had had to go because the German Emperor wished it.

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Mary Richards' chic office wear is declass�; this year's line consists of tank tops and tight jeans.

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With the exception of a few teenage "cowboys" and bar girls, Vietnamese shun heroin, which they regard as declass� and crass compared to opium.

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Related Words

• cheapen 
• corrupt 
• debase 
• degenerate 
• demean 
• deteriorate 
• diminish 
• discredit 
• disgrace 
• downgrade 
• impair 
• lessen 
• reduce 
• vitiate 
• weaken