debasement

American  

[dih-beys-muhnt] / dɪˈbeɪs mənt /

noun

1. the act of reducing the quality or value of something.

   The moment any paper currency is firmly linked back to gold, the debasement of paper money stops.

2. the fact or state of being lowered in dignity, character, or importance.

   Rich and greedy, he chose debasement, disgrace, and dishonorable practices in order to get even richer.

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Other Word Forms

• self-debasement noun

Etymology

Origin of debasement

debase ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

It also will likely test the market’s conviction on silver’s longer-term thesis as both a hedge against inflation currency debasement as well as an industrial play on new technologies powering global growth.

From Barron's

For precious metals, it can come from fears of monetary debasement, or from missing out on gains, or both.

From Barron's

Gold reaching a new record high is evidence the so-called “great debasement trade” is back on, says one strategist.

From MarketWatch

Just a dose of debasement is the ticket.

From The Wall Street Journal

His lack of confidence in central banks, as well as the dollar’s role in the global economy, dovetails with a Wall Street strategy known as the debasement trade.

From The Wall Street Journal