demean

views updated May 29 2018

de·mean1 / diˈmēn/ • v. [tr.] [often as adj.] (demeaning) cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for (someone or something): the poster was not demeaning to women I had demeaned the profession. ∎  (demean oneself) do something that is beneath one's dignity.de·mean2 • v. (demean oneself) archaic conduct oneself in a particular way: no man demeaned himself so honorably.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

demean

views updated May 29 2018

demean 1 †carry on, manage XIII; conduct oneself XIV. — (O)F. démener lead, exercise, practise, (refl.) behave :- Rom. *dēmināre, f. L. DE 3 + mināre drive (animals), orig. urge on with threats (L. minārī threaten).
Hence demeanour conduct, behaviour. XV.

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

demean

views updated Jun 27 2018

demean 2 lower, humble. XVII. f. DE- 4 + MEAN 2.

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

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