De·base v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debased p. pr. & vb. n. Debasing.] 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.
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debasing
adj : used of conduct; characterized by dishonor [syn: degrading]