demean

¹

[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

1. to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase:

   He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.

   Synonyms: mortify, humiliate, humble, degrade

   Antonyms: honor, dignify

demean

²

[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

1. to conduct or behave (oneself ) in a specified manner.

noun

1. Archaic. demeanor.

demean

¹

/ dɪˈmiːn /

verb

1. rare.
   tr to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way

demean

²

/ dɪˈmiːn /

verb

1. tr to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase

Word History and Origins

Origin of demean¹

1595–1605; de- + mean ², modeled on debase

Origin of demean²

1250–1300; Middle English deme ( i ) nen < Anglo-French, Old French demener, equivalent to de- de- + mener to lead, conduct < Latin mināre to drive, minārī to threaten

Word History and Origins

Origin of demean¹

C13: from Old French demener, from de- + mener to lead, drive, from Latin mināre to drive (animals), from minārī to use threats

Origin of demean²

C17: see de- , mean ²; on the model of debase

Example Sentences

He disparaged a colleague’s Black son as a prop carried like a Louis Vuitton handbag, suggested Black people have too much political power and made other demeaning remarks about activists and constituents.

From Los Angeles Times

And while others deferred to the Florida governor, Trump hit him head-on, demeaning and diminishing him.

From BBC

The Harris campaign said the language at the rally was "divisive and demeaning".

From BBC

“Not somebody like Donald Trump who is constantly demeaning and belittling who the American people are. America deserves better.”

From Salon

The 2024 U.S. presidential campaign has featured some notable deepfakes — AI-powered impersonations of candidates that sought to mislead voters or demean the candidates being targeted.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belittle
• debase
• degrade
• despise
• disparage