Meaning of debase in English

1. Pronunciation

   /dəˈbeɪs/

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   UK accent

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