debase

de·base

[dih-beys]
verb (used with object), de·based, de·bas·ing.
1.
to reduce in quality or value; adulterate: They debased the value of the dollar.
2.
to lower in rank, dignity, or significance: He wouldn't debase himself by doing manual labor.

Origin:
1555–65; de- + base2; cf. abase

de·bas·ed·ness [dih-bey-sid-nis, -beyst-] , noun
de·base·ment, noun
de·bas·er, noun
de·bas·ing·ly, adverb
self-de·base·ment, noun
un·de·based, adjective


1. lower, vitiate, corrupt; contaminate, pollute, defile. 2. degrade, abase, demean, reduce.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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To cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop. pg. 35
soothing or mollifying, as a medicinal substance.
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World English Dictionary
debase (dɪˈbeɪs) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
(tr) to lower in quality, character, or value, as by adding cheaper metal to coins; adulterate
 
[C16: see de-, base²]
 
debasedness
 
n
 
de'basement
 
n
 
de'baser
 
n
 
de'basingly
 
adv

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

debase
1568, from base "low," on analogy of abase.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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