demote

[dih-moht]

verb (used with object)

demoted, demoting 

1. to reduce to a lower grade, rank, class, or position (promote ).

   They demoted the careless waiter to busboy.

demote

/ dɪˈməʊt /

verb

1. (tr) to lower in rank or position; relegate

Other Word Forms

• demotion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demote¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; de- + (pro)mote

Word History and Origins

Origin of demote¹

C19: from _de- + ( _pro ) _mote

Example Sentences

Smith said Tuesday on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” that he hadn’t been demoted from his status as a show regular, as some outlets suggested.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the Surrey batter was demoted when the squad for the tour of Australia was named in September.

Read more on BBC

The European Commission said Google is demoting media publishers' websites and content in search results when they include content from commercial partners, such as sponsored editorial pieces.

Read more on Barron's

The commission said Thursday that it is concerned that Google might be demoting news media and other publishers’ websites and content in search results when they include content from third-party commercial partners.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One-party rule, courts demoted to advisory status, and the instruments of justice and security re-purposed for political preservation.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bump 
• dismiss 
• relegate