demean

To demean is defined as to put someone down or lower him in esteem by doing something that harms his pride or dignity or putting yourself down by doing something that is beneath you.

(verb)

  1. An example of demean is when you make someone else look or feel inferior.
  2. An example of demean is when you do something that causes you to feel degraded and put down.

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See demean in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to lower in status or character; degrade; humble: to demean oneself by taking a bribe

Origin: de- + mean, after debase

transitive verb

to behave, conduct, or comport (oneself)

Origin: see demeanor

See demean in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb de·meaned, de·mean·ing, de·means
To conduct or behave (oneself) in a particular manner: demeaned themselves well in class.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English demeinen, to govern

Origin: , from Old French demener

Origin: : de-, de-

Origin: + mener, to conduct (from Latin mināre, to drive (animals), from minārī, to threaten, from minae, threats; see men-2 in Indo-European roots)

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transitive verb de·meaned, de·mean·ing, de·means
  1. To debase, as in dignity or social standing: professionals who feel demeaned by unskilled work.
  2. To humble (oneself). See Synonyms at degrade.

Origin:

Origin: de-

Origin: + mean2

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Related Forms:

  • de·meanˈing·ly adverb

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