demeaning

[ dih-mee-ning ]
/ dɪˈmi nɪŋ /

adjective

that demeans; debasing; degrading: Being forced to apologize when I had done nothing wrong was a demeaning task.

Origin of demeaning

First recorded in 1875–80; demean1 + -ing2

Definition for demeaning (2 of 3)

demean 1
[ dih-meen ]
/ dɪˈmin /

verb (used with object)

to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase: He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.

Origin of demean

1
1595–1605; de- + mean2, modeled on debase

Definition for demeaning (3 of 3)

demean 2
[ dih-meen ]
/ dɪˈmin /

verb (used with object)

to conduct or behave (oneself) in a specified manner.

noun

Archaic. demeanor.

Origin of demean

2
1250–1300; Middle English deme(i)nen < Anglo-French, Old French demener, equivalent to de- de- + mener to lead, conduct < Latin mināre to drive, minārī to threaten

Example sentences from the Web for demeaning

British Dictionary definitions for demeaning (1 of 2)

demean 1
/ (dɪˈmiːn) /

verb

(tr) to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase

Word Origin for demean

C17: see de-, mean ²; on the model of debase

British Dictionary definitions for demeaning (2 of 2)

demean 2
/ (dɪˈmiːn) /

verb

(tr) rare to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way

Word Origin for demean

C13: from Old French demener, from de- + mener to lead, drive, from Latin mināre to drive (animals), from minārī to use threats