Debasing

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Debase \De*base"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Debased}; p. pr. & vb.
     n. {Debasing}.] [Pref. de- + base. See {Base}, a., and cf.
     {Abase}.]
     To reduce from a higher to a lower state or grade of worth,
     dignity, purity, station, etc.; to degrade; to lower; to
     deteriorate; to abase; as, to debase the character by crime;


     to debase the mind by frivolity; to debase style by vulgar
     words.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           The coin which was adulterated and debased. --Hale.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           It is a kind of taking God's name in vain to debase
           religion with such frivolous disputes.   --Hooker.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           And to debase the sons, exalts the sires. --Pope.
  
     Syn: To abase; degrade. See {Abase}.
          [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  debasing
       adj : used of conduct; characterized by dishonor [syn: {degrading}]