demote

[ dih-moht ]

verb (used with object)

, de·mot·ed, de·mot·ing.

1. to reduce to a lower grade, rank, class, or position ( promote ):

   They demoted the careless waiter to busboy.

demote

/ dɪˈməʊt /

verb

1. tr to lower in rank or position; relegate

Derived Forms

• deˈmotion, noun

Other Words From

• de·mo·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demote¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; de- + (pro)mote

Word History and Origins

Origin of demote¹

C19: from de- + ( pro ) mote

Example Sentences

Mr. Morris was soon demoted, the lawsuit says, and later fired.

From New York Times

It appears the prime minister had grown tired of Ms Gray’s failure to actually start the paid, part-time job that she had been demoted into when she left Downing Street.

From BBC

Some were interrogated about their involvement with Scarlett’s pay equity survey and were told their activities were being monitored, and that they could be demoted, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times

In its 2017 judgement, the European Commission found that Google had illegally promoted its own comparison shopping service in search results, whilst demoting those of competitors.

From BBC

The Briton was controversially penalised at Sunday's United States Grand Prix, demoting him from third to fourth behind Verstappen, for overtaking off track.

From BBC

Related Words

• bump
• dismiss
• relegate