- Main Entry:
- de·base
- Pronunciation:
-
\di-ˈbās, dē-\
- Function:
- transitive verb
- Date:
- 1565
1: to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character2 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 \-ˈbās-mənt\ noun —
de·bas·er \-ˈbā-sər\ 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>.
