Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of debase.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective used of conduct; characterized by dishonor

Etymologies

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Examples

  • "This is what I call debasing the moral currency," she says;

    George Eliot; a Critical Study of Her Life, Writings & Philosophy George Willis Cooke 1885

  • [The reader:] The fact that you cannot determine that sexual perversions such as sodomy are debasing is in itself evidence that you are unable to determine what the truth is at this time.

    The Volokh Conspiracy » An e-mail exchange: 2004

  • “This is what I call debasing the moral currency,” she says; “lowering the value of every inspiring fact and tradition so that it will command less and less of the spiritual products, the generous motives which sustain the charm and elevation of our social existence ” the something besides bread by which man saves his soul alive.”

    George Eliot; A Critical Study of Her Life, Writings and Philosophy Cooke, George W 1884

  • II Sam. 6: 14 tells that when David brought the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, he leaped and whirled before the Lord, an act which the Rabbis characterize as debasing himself in honor of God.

    Michal, daughter of Saul: Midrash and Aggadah. 2009

  • It is called debasing the currency, and it used to be considered a serious crime.

    DISSING THE FED AND RON PAUL 2007

  • Her formerly powerful and upright frame is bent and lean; her hair waves in wild, white locks about her shrivelled face; all the rude majesty of her form has departed; there is nothing to show that it is still Goisvintha haunting the scene of her crime but the savage expression debasing her countenance and betraying the evil heart within, unsubdued as ever in its yearning for destruction and revenge.

    Antonina Wilkie Collins 1856

  • In ancient times, that meant "debasing" their coins — making them with less or inferior metals.

    Greek Crisis Provides a Chorus of Discord Justin Lahart 2010

  • In ancient times, that meant "debasing" their coins — making them with less or inferior metals.

    Greek Crisis Provides a Chorus of Discord Justin Lahart 2010

  • In ancient times, that meant "debasing" their coins — making them with less or inferior metals.

    Greek Crisis Provides a Chorus of Discord Justin Lahart 2010

  • So if she's not calling for his firing, what the hell does she want? please tell me what is "debasing" about that comment. did he lower her in stature??? wait, wait, now i see the angle: shuster african-americanized chelsea. ahhh, i see. that's more in line with Bill and the post-SC colors shining through.

    Hillary To NBC: Fire David Shuster 2009

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