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

And then there was the saga of them being demoted from the Europa League by Uefa for breaching multi-club ownership rules.

From BBC

In July, however, they demoted their No. 5 starter to the minors without a minor league starter ready to fill in.

From Los Angeles Times

Another name Roberts threw into the mix: Rookie Ben Casparius, who was demoted to the minors three weeks ago but remains a “viable candidate” to pitch in the postseason as a weapon against right-handed hitters.

From Los Angeles Times

This seemed glaringly apparent from the get-go, but now that it’s finally come to the forefront, it should allow Fox to rectify a wrong when they demoted Greg Olsen in favor of Brady.

From Los Angeles Times

France is also bracing for a decision on Friday from credit agency Fitch, which could see its rating demoted and make it more costly to borrow money.

From BBC

Related Words

• bump 
• dismiss 
• relegate