abase

[ uh-beys ]
/ əˈbeɪs /

verb (used with object), a·based, a·bas·ing.

to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble; degrade.
Archaic. to lower; put or bring down: He abased his head.

Origin of abase

1470–80; a-5 + base2; replacing late Middle English abassen, equivalent to a-5 + bas base2; replacing Middle English abaissen, abe(i)sen < Anglo-French abesser, abaisser, Old French abaissier, equivalent + a- a-5 + -baissier < Vulgar Latin *bassiare, verbal derivative of Late Latin bassus; see base2

OTHER WORDS FROM abase

a·base·ment, noun a·bas·er, noun un·a·bas·ing, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for abasement

abase
/ (əˈbeɪs) /

verb (tr)

to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)
to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived forms of abase

abasement, noun

Word Origin for abase

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base ²