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Definition of debase

debase

/dɪˈbeɪs/
de · base
Adjective:debased
•
Past Simple:debased
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Past Participle:debased
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Present Participle:debasing
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debase Lexical Profile

debase Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To reduce something in quality, value, or moral character; to degrade or corrupt.

Example

"Critics argued that sensationalist reporting would only debase the standards of public discourse."

2

To lower the value of a currency or coinage, historically by mixing precious metals with inferior base metals.

Example

"Roman emperors frequently chose to debase the silver denarius to fund expensive public works and military campaigns."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for debase

• Rhymes for debase

• Nearby Words

debar
debark
debarment
debase
debased
debaser
debatable

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-16th century as a blend of the Latinate prefix 'de-' (meaning 'down') and the adjective 'base' (from Old French 'bas', meaning 'low'), originally referring to the lowering of the precious metal content in coinage.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Debase. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/debase
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