How to Memorize

debase - corrupt

Analysis

If you ‘debase’ somebody or something then you make it impure or of less worth. It can be used in a literal sense with regards to objects, like a coin, for example, that has its intrinsic value reduced, or figuratively to refer to the lowering of a person’s status, moral worth, or reputation. This formal word is more commonly used in the latter sense.

Example(s)

1. Tom’s dream is to be a serious actor on both stage and screen. That’s why he feels that he would debase himself if he appeared in a soap opera.

2. Mary’s position at this company became untenable because our ideologies were not aligned. In fact, she was a debaser of a lot the principles we stand for.

3. Many believe that social media has led to the debasement of political discourse. It is now filled with vitriol and fabrications.