v.
Pronunciation: di- ' b ā s, d ē -
Function: 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 \ - ' b ā s-m ə nt \ noun
– de · bas · er \ - ' b ā -s ə r \ 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>.