DEBASE

debase, alloy

(verb) lower in value by increasing the base-metal content

corrupt, pervert, subvert, demoralize, demoralise, debauch, debase, profane, vitiate, deprave, misdirect

(verb) corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; “debauch the young people with wine and women”; “Socrates was accused of corrupting young men”; “Do school counselors subvert young children?”; “corrupt the morals”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Verb

debase (third-person singular simple present debases, present participle debasing, simple past and past participle debased)

(transitive) To lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade.

(transitive, archaic) To lower in position or rank.

(transitive) To lower the value of (a currency) by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins.

Synonyms

• (lower in character, quality, or value): abase, adulterate, degrade, demean

Anagrams

• e-based, sea bed, seabed

Source: Wiktionary

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

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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