2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Debase  \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}. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  debase 
  v  1:  corrupt  morally  [syn:  {corrupt},  {pervert},  {demoralize},  {debauch}, 
  {profane},  {vitiate},  {deprave},  {misdirect}] 
  2:  lower  in  value  by  increasing  the  base-metal  content;  of 
  metals  [syn:  {alloy}] 
  3:  add  water  to  a  mixture  to  dilute  it  "adulterate  liquor" 
  [syn:  {adulterate},  {stretch},  {water  down},  {dilute}] 

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