v. Function: verb
1 to cause to become impaired in quality or character FF1C; vulgarly outrageous movies that debase the taste of the people FF1E;
Synonyms: animalize, bastardize, bestialize, brutalize, canker, corrupt, debauch, demoralize, deprave, pervert, poison, rot, stain, vitiate, warp; compare ADULTERATE
Related Words: damage, harm, impair, injure, mar, spoil; contaminate, defile, dishonor, pollute, taint; commercialize
Contrasted Words: enhance, heighten; lift, raise; ameliorate, better, improve
Antonyms: elevate; amend
2
Synonyms: HUMBLE , abase, bemean, cast down, degrade, demean, humiliate, lower, sink
Related Words: cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, sap, undermine, weaken
Contrasted Words: acclaim, laud, praise; refresh, rejuvenate, renew, restore
3
Synonyms: ADULTERATE , doctor, dope (up), load, sophisticate, weight
Related Words: damage, impair, worsen; corrupt, defile, spoil
Idioms: play the devil ( or the mischief) with
Contrasted Words: amend, upgrade