Abase

Word: Abase

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: To degrade or demote; generally means “to lower in value”.

Synonyms: Disgrace, shame

Antonyms: Boost, support, promote

Helpful hints to remember: Literally once meant “to lower”, which is why in old English texts you'll see phrases like “the jouster abased his lance”. This word is extremely similar to “debase”.

Sentences:

• The soccer players felt abased after the humbling loss.
• Though they had been friends since the fourth grade, the soldier knew that his comrade's attempt to expose his extramarital affair was an attempt to abase him.
• “The social principles of Christianity preach cowardice, self-contempt, abasement, submission, humility, in a word all the qualities of the canaille.”