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

As Medvedev documented, the precondition for destroying public confidence in science is to demean and demonize scientists — as “enemies of the people,” as saboteurs and grifters.

From Los Angeles Times

It made it illegal to "write, send, or share any information through a computer, which is likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean another person, group of persons, a tribe, an ethnicity, a religion or gender".

From BBC

“Trump has demeaned and debased just about anybody he could, from immigrants to minorities to women to those who are disabled,” he says.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• belittle
• debase
• degrade
• despise
• disparage