Debase
/dɪˈbeɪs/noun
To lower in quality, value, dignity, or rank.
Did you know?The same old root behind English words for “low” and “deep” also gave Latin bassus, which later helped shape the language of low sounds in music.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
bassus
“low, thick-set, stunted”
Old French
Old French
bas
“low, inferior”
Anglo-French
French
desbaisser
“to lower, diminish”
Middle English
English
debasen
“to lower in rank, value, or quality”
Modern English
English
debase
“to lower in quality, value, dignity, or rank”