declass

[ dee-klas, -klahs ]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove or degrade from one's social class, position, or rank; lower in status.

declass

/ diːˈklɑːs /

verb

1. tr to lower in social status or position; degrade

Word History and Origins

Origin of declass¹

From the French word déclasser, dating back to 1885–90. See de-, class

Example Sentences

And finally, I sometimes fancy that the drama must have taken place as follows: A man, a suspicious character, a declass�, hears or discovers that there are important political documents in my house.

From Project Gutenberg

He had more enemies than any President ever had, including Declass�, himself another staunch Dreyfusard, in whose talents as a diplomatist he had such confidence.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1905 Declass� had had to go because the German Emperor wished it.

From Project Gutenberg

Mary Richards' chic office wear is declass�; this year's line consists of tank tops and tight jeans.

From Time Magazine Archive

With the exception of a few teenage "cowboys" and bar girls, Vietnamese shun heroin, which they regard as declass� and crass compared to opium.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• cheapen
• corrupt
• debase
• degenerate
• demean
• deteriorate
• diminish
• discredit
• disgrace
• downgrade
• impair
• lessen
• reduce
• vitiate
• weaken