abase

American  

[uh-beys] / əˈbeɪs /

verb (used with object)

abased, abasing

1. to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.

   Synonyms:

   belittle, debase, dishonor, humiliate

2. Archaic. to lower; put or bring down.

   He abased his head.

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abase British  

/ əˈbeɪs /

verb

1. to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2. to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

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Other Word Forms

• abasement noun
• abaser noun
• unabasing adjective

Etymology

Origin of abase

First recorded in 1470–80; a- ⁵ + base ²; replacing late Middle English abassen, equivalent to a- ⁵ + bas base ²; replacing Middle English abaissen, abe(i)sen, from Anglo-French abesser, abaisser, Old French abaissier, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + -baissier, from (unattested) Vulgar Latin bassiare, verbal derivative of Late Latin bassus; base ²

Example Sentences

It is designed at its most fundamental level to humble and to abase—to constantly remind even its greatest practitioners that this game is ultimately an exercise in failure.

From The Wall Street Journal

I find myself captivated by how easily he abases himself without getting maudlin.

From New York Times

Much of the classical music industry has since abased itself at Mäkelä’s feet.

From New York Times

Russian law says inmates must not be treated in a way that is "harsh" or "abases human dignity".

From Reuters

Russian law says inmates must not be treated in a way that is "harsh" or "abases human dignity."

From Reuters