Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lower in rank, dignity, or esteem; to degrade or humble someone, often in a way that causes shame or loss of self-respect.
   • To behave in a way that belittles or reduces one's own dignity or status.

Usage

The verb "abase" is a formal word. It is typically used with an object (a transitive verb). It describes an action that reduces someone's standing, honor, or self-respect. It can be used reflexively ("to abase oneself").

Examples

• Verb (transitive):
  • The tyrant sought to abase his political rivals through public ridicule.
  • She refused to abase her principles for personal gain.
• Verb (reflexive):
  • He would not abase himself by begging for forgiveness.
  • The courtiers were forced to abase themselves before the emperor.

Advanced Usage

• "To abase oneself before someone": To humiliate or degrade oneself in front of another person, often to show extreme submission or to seek favor.
  • The defeated general was made to abase himself before the conquering king.

Variants and Related Words

• Abasement (noun): The action or fact of abasing or being abased; humiliation.
  • The public abasement of the official was shocking.
• Abased (adjective): Feeling or appearing lowered in dignity; humbled.
  • He looked abased after the harsh criticism.

Synonyms

• Humiliate: To make someone feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and pride.
• Degrade: To lower in character, quality, or value; to debase.
• Debase: To reduce in quality, value, or character (often used for things, but can apply to people).
• Belittle: To dismiss someone or something as unimportant.

Antonyms

• Exalt: To hold in very high regard; to praise highly.
• Elevate: To raise to a higher position or rank.
• Honor: To regard with great respect.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The core meaning of "abase" involves a deliberate act of lowering status or dignity, causing shame. It implies a loss of honor.
• Reflexive Use: A common and powerful usage is the reflexive form "abase oneself," which emphasizes a voluntary or forced act of self-humiliation.

Verb

1. cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
   • He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss