Meaning of debase in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /dəˈbeɪs/

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    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    debase

    Etymology

    mid 16th century (in the sense ‘humiliate, belittle’): from de-‘down’ + the obsolete verb base (compare with abase), expressing the notion ‘bring down completely’

    Definitions

    1. corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality

    Examples

    • « debauch the young people with wine and women »
    • « Socrates was accused of corrupting young men »
    • « Do school counselors subvert young children? »
    • « corrupt the morals »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. lower in value by increasing the base-metal content

    Derived terms

  3. 3. corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance

    Examples

    • « often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones »
    • « adulterate liquor »

    Derived terms

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