debase

views updated May 29 2018

de·base / diˈbās/ • v. [tr.] reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade: the love episodes debase the drama | [as adj.] (debased) debased traditions of sportsmanship. ∎  lower the moral character of (someone): war debases people. ∎  hist. lower the value of (coinage) by reducing the content of precious metal.DERIVATIVES: de·base·ment n.de·bas·er n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

debase

views updated May 21 2018

debase †abase; †decry, vilify; lower in quality or character. XVI. f. DE 1, 3 + BASE 3.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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