Debasement

//dɪˈbeɪsmənt// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The act of debasing or the state of being debased; a lowering or degradation, especially in character or quality. countable, uncountable

    "His large water-dog was acquainted with the fact, and upon the approach of his master, betrayed his sense of inferiority by a sanctity of deportment, a debasement of the ears, and a dropping of the lower jaw not altogether unworthy of a dog."

  2. 2
    changing to a lower state (a less respected state) wordnet
  3. 3
    The lowering of the value of a currency by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    being mixed with extraneous material; the product of adulterating wordnet

Etymology

From debase + -ment.

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