Category:Debase

De*base", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debased; p. pr. & vb. n. Debasing.] Etym: [Pref. de- + base. See Base, a., and cf. Abase.]

Defn: 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. The coin which was adulterated and debased. Hale. It is a kind of taking God's name in vain to debase religion with such frivolous disputes. Hooker. And to debase the sons, exalts the sires. Pope.

Syn. -- To abase; degrade. See Abase.