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View synonyms for

demean

1

[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase:

    He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.

    Synonyms: , , ,

    Antonyms: ,



demean

2

[ dih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

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

noun

  1. Archaic. demeanor.

demean

1

/ ɪˈː /

verb

  1. tr to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

demean

2

/ ɪˈː /

verb

  1. rare.
    tr to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of demean1

1595–1605; de- + mean 2, modeled on debase

Origin of demean2

1250–1300; Middle English deme ( i ) nen < Anglo-French, Old French demener, equivalent to de- de- + mener to lead, conduct < Latin to drive, ī to threaten
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Word History and Origins

Origin of demean1

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

Origin of demean2

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

Even the word lady has shifted over the years from being an aspiration to a term widely regarded as demeaning and disparaging.

From

"I can't express how sad, stressful, demeaning even, it feels," says Mrs Marini, originally from Italy.

From

Your article on the matter is filled with bias and your effort to somehow classify Dodgers fans as Trump haters is ill-served and demeaning.

From

Was that the deciding factor, or was it deemed demeaning to offer De Bruyne an extension on far less than he is earning now?

From

Initially, Tate presented himself as charming, but Ms Stern alleges that his behaviour quickly turned demeaning and threatening.

From

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demedemeaning