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View synonyms for demean

demean

1

[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase:

    He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.

    Synonyms: mortify, humiliate, humble, degrade

    Antonyms: honor, dignify



demean

2

[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to conduct or behave (oneself ) in a specified manner.

noun

  1. Archaic. demeanor.

demean

1

/ dɪˈmiːn /

verb

  1. rare.
    tr to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way
“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


demean

2

/ dɪˈmiːn /

verb

  1. tr to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase
“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of demean1

1595–1605; de- + mean 2, modeled on debase

Origin of demean2

1250–1300; Middle English deme ( i ) nen < Anglo-French, Old French demener, equivalent to de- de- + mener to lead, conduct < Latin mināre to drive, minārī to threaten
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Word History and Origins

Origin of demean1

C13: from Old French demener, from de- + mener to lead, drive, from Latin mināre to drive (animals), from minārī to use threats

Origin of demean2

C17: see de- , mean ²; on the model of debase
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Example Sentences

Being elsewhere meant that they had choices other than a certain death trapped in a system that worked to devalue, demean, and break their spirits.

From Vox

What we are saying … is that there was a campaign — a concerted campaign — to vilify and dismiss and demean, and, frankly, lie about it, the effectiveness of these drugs.

Women were left out of conversations in the physical office, demeaned, or made to feel like they didn’t belong.

From Vox

We sort of demean those fundamental principles of the heart and the soul.

Behavior that demeans or discriminates against people for who they are has no place here.

From Vox

Modern campaigns rarely elevate any subject and have a terrible tendency to demean all who participate.

Hand it off to a hen-pecked husband or a put-upon assistant and it can demean or belittle.

The Taliban have said the comments comparing war to a game 'demean' Harry.

Canadians are generally mistrustful of rules that subordinate or demean women.

“He is trying to shock whoever finds the body,” said Shepard, who said that Hughes was trying also to demean his victims.

"Mr. Capt don't demean himself to chambermaids, Miss Lucy," retorted the abigail with angry scorn.

This comes of your princesses, that turn the world upside down, and demean themselves to hob and nob with these black baldicoots!

Why should ladies demean themselves by going amongst dirty beggarly folk?

There is no man upon earth who would demean himself by breaking a lance with my master.

How well our Champion doth demean himself, As if he had been made for such an action?

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demedemeaning