from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Debase \De*base"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Debased}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Debasing}.] [Pref. de- + base. See {Base}, a., and cf.
{Abase}.]
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.
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The coin which was adulterated and debased. --Hale.
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It is a kind of taking God's name in vain to debase
religion with such frivolous disputes. --Hooker.
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And to debase the sons, exalts the sires. --Pope.
Syn: To abase; degrade. See {Abase}.
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