De*base" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debased (?); p. pr. &
vb. n. Debasing.]
[Pref. de- + base. See Base, a., and cf. Abase.] To reduce from a
higher to a lower state or grade of worth, dignity, purity, station, etc.; to degrade; to lower; to deteriorate; to abase; as, to
debase the character by crime; to debase the mind by frivolity; to debase style by vulgar words.
The coin which was adulterated and debased.
Hale. It is a kind of taking God's
name in vain to debase religion with such frivolous disputes.
Hooker. And to debase the sons, exalts the sires.
Pope. Syn. -- To abase; degrade. See Abase.
Hear it pronounced