debase

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈbeɪs/

verb

  • 1 [with object] reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade: the love episodes debase the dignity of the drama
  • lower the moral character of (someone): war debases people
  • 2 historical lower the value of (coinage) by reducing the content of precious metal: the King was forced to debase the coinage

Derivatives

debasement

noun

debaser

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'humiliate, belittle'): from de- 'down' + the obsolete verb base (compare with abase), expressing the notion 'bring down completely'