demean

1
[ dih-meen ]
See synonyms for demean on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase: He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.

Origin of demean

1
1595–1605; de- + mean2, modeled on debase

Other words for demean

Opposites for demean

Other definitions for demean (2 of 2)

demean2
[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)
  1. to conduct or behave (oneself) in a specified manner.

noun
  1. Archaic. demeanor.

Origin of demean

2
1250–1300; Middle English deme(i)nen<Anglo-French, Old French demener, equivalent to de-de- + mener to lead, conduct <Latin mināre to drive, minārī to threaten

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use demean in a sentence

  • You cannot then be my master; for no master demeans himself so to his poor servant.

    Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded | Samuel Richardson
  • The comparatively fussy detail, which demeans a fine material, helps to redeem a mean one.

    Old Time Wall Papers | Katherine Abbott Sanborn

British Dictionary definitions for demean (1 of 2)

demean1

/ (dɪˈmiːn) /


verb
  1. (tr) to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase

Origin of demean

1
C17: see de-, mean ²; on the model of debase

British Dictionary definitions for demean (2 of 2)

demean2

/ (dɪˈmiːn) /


verb
  1. (tr) rare to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way

Origin of demean

2
C13: from Old French demener, from de- + mener to lead, drive, from Latin mināre to drive (animals), from minārī to use threats

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012