Demean
/dɪˈmiːn/noun
To lower in dignity or status; to behave in a way that is disrespectful or degrading.
Did you know?The word was once tied to your *demeanor*, from Old French and ultimately Latin roots about leading or guiding, before English narrowed it into the darker idea of lowering someone’s dignity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to remain, stay, or be fixed in mind”
Latin
Latin
manēre
“to stay, remain, or abide”
Old French
Old French
demener
“to conduct, guide, or manage”
Middle English
English
demeanen
“to conduct oneself; behave”
18th Century
English
demean
“to lower in status, dignity, or respect”