demean
1[ dih-meen ]
/ dɪˈmin /
verb (used with object)
to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase: He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.
Nearby words
demassify, dematerialize, dematiaceous, demavend, deme, demean, demeaning, demeanor, demeanour, demeclocycline, dement
SYNONYMS FOR demean
Definition for demean (2 of 2)
demean
2[ dih-meen ]
/ dɪˈmin /
verb (used with object)
to conduct or behave (oneself) in a specified manner.
noun
Archaic. demeanor.
Origin of demean
21250–1300; 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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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for demean
British Dictionary definitions for demean (1 of 2)
demean
1/ (dɪˈmiːn) /
verb
(tr) to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase
Word Origin for demean
C17: see de-, mean ²; on the model of debase
British Dictionary definitions for demean (2 of 2)
demean
2/ (dɪˈmiːn) /
verb
(tr) rare to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way
Word Origin for demean
C13: from Old French demener, from de- + mener to lead, drive, from Latin mināre to drive (animals), from minārī to use threats
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for demean
demean
"lower in dignity," c.1600, perhaps from de- "down" + mean (adj.) and modeled on debase. Indistinguishable in some uses from obsolete demean (see demeanor) which influenced it and may be its true source. Related: Demeaned; demeaning.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper