abase

[ uh-beys ]

verb (used with object)

, a·based, a·bas·ing.

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.

abase

/ əˈbeɪs /

verb

1. to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)
2. to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived Forms

• aˈbasement, noun

Other Words From

• a·base·ment noun
• a·bas·er noun
• un·a·bas·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abase¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of abase¹

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base ²

Example Sentences

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

It remains to be seen if Kevin McCarthy manages to abase himself enough to squeak through and get the ceremonial Speaker's gavel.

From Salon

Ask Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who endured all that and more only to abase himself as one of Trump's most loyal lapdogs.

From Salon

It can be hard to understand why Republican politicians would so profoundly, repeatedly, abase themselves before Trump, particularly when he never returns the favor.

From Washington Post