debasement

[ dih-beys-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of reducing the quality or value of something:

   The moment any paper currency is firmly linked back to gold, the debasement of paper money stops.

2. the fact or state of being lowered in dignity, character, or importance:

   Rich and greedy, he chose debasement, disgrace, and dishonorable practices in order to get even richer.

Other Words From

• self-de·base·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debasement¹

debase ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

He framed humor as an act of self-aggrandizement premised on the debasement of others.

From Salon

But verbal debasement, and the threat of an extended punishment of silence and dismissal, held me back.

From Salon

McCarthy's debasement is only compounded because of all the details that have become public, showing how willing he is to fluff Trump's pillows and wipe Trump's brow.

From Salon

But Ruscha’s wallpaper also collided head-on with the critically derided prohibition against decoration, claimed as art’s utter debasement.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was all in the framework of a relationship of political clientelism, corruption, bribery and debasement of the very meaning of politics,” he added.

From Seattle Times