debase
verb (used with object)
to reduce in quality or value; adulterate.
had debased
-
past perfectof debase.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The general opinion was that Christie had debased himself and had gotten nothing for it.
From The New Yorker ● Jul. 20, 2016
But during the subprime bubble, it had debased itself to maintain that No. 1 position, becoming a hotbed of fraud and predatory lending.
From New York Times ● Oct. 23, 2010
For a while, the 21st century had debased piracy.
From Time Magazine Archive
Fear for their own lives and property had debased people to such a degree that they were affable to the invaders, and hurried to keep up their good humor.
From The Deluge, Vol. I. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Henryk Sienkiewicz
He, Clerambault, had not only deserted the cause of human brotherhood, he had debased it; he had continued to talk of fraternity, while he was stirring up hatred.
From Clerambault The Story of an Independent Spirit During the War by Romain Rolland
