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more about debase
debase |
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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