DEBASE


Meaning of DEBASE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ di-ˈbās, dē- ]

transitive verb

Date: 1565

1. : to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character

2.

a. : to reduce the intrinsic value of (a coin) by increasing the base-metal content

b. : to reduce the exchange value of (a monetary unit)

• de·base·ment -ˈbās-mənt noun

• de·bas·er -ˈbā-sər noun

Synonyms:

debase , vitiate , deprave , corrupt , debauch , pervert mean to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character. debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity

commercialism has debased the holiday

vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect

a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship

deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences

the claim that society is depraved by pornography

corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity

the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language

debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence

the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew

pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal

perverted the original goals of the institute

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.