debase

DEBA'SE, verb transitive 1. To reduce from a higher to a lower state or rank, in estimation. The drunkard debases himself and his character. Intemperance and debauchery debase men almost to a level with beasts. 2. To reduce or lower in quality, purity, or value; to adulterate; as, to debase gold or silver by alloy. 3. To lower or degrade; to make mean or despicable. Religion should not be debased by frivolous disputes. Vicious habits debase the mind, as well as the character. 4. To sink in purity or elegance; to vitiate by meanness; as, to debase style by the use of vulgar words.