abase
UK: əˈbeɪs | US: əˈbeɪs
vt. to lower in rank, dignity, or esteem; humiliate
vt. to reduce in value or quality
The word "abase" entered English in the late 14th century from Old French "abaisser" (to lower, humble), combining "a-" (toward) and "bas" (low). The Latin root "basis" originally referred to a physical foundation but evolved metaphorically to denote social or moral lowness. The prefix "a-" intensifies the action of lowering, creating a vivid sense of deliberate humiliation or degradation.
The king sought to abase his rivals by stripping them of their titles.
She refused to abase herself by begging for forgiveness.
The scandal abased the company’s reputation in the industry.
Critics accused the media of abasing public discourse with sensationalism.
He felt abased after his mistake was exposed in front of the team.