de ‧ mean /dɪˈmiːn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Origin: de- + ⇨ ↑ mean 2 ]
to do something that makes people lose respect for someone or something ⇨ degrade :
language that demeans women
demean yourself (by doing something)
I wouldn’t demean myself by begging him for a job.