Demean Definition

dĭ-mēn
demeaned, demeaning, demeans
verb
demeaned, demeaning, demeans
To lower in status or character; degrade; humble.
To demean oneself by taking a bribe.
Webster's New World
To behave, conduct, or comport (oneself)
Webster's New World
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.
An example of demean is when you make someone else look or feel inferior.
An example of demean is when you do something that causes you to feel degraded and put down.
YourDictionary
Wiktionary
Antonyms:
noun
(archaic) Management; treatment.
Wiktionary

(archaic) Behavior; conduct; bearing; demeanor.

Wiktionary
Wiktionary
Wiktionary
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Origin of Demean

  • Middle English demeinen to govern from Old French demener de- de- mener to conduct (from Latin mināre to drive (animals)) (from minārī to threaten) (from minae threats men-2 in Indo-European roots)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English demenen, demeinen, from Anglo-Norman demener, from Old French demener, from de- + mener (“to conduct, lead”), from Vulgar Latin *mināre (“to drive”) and Latin minārī (“to threaten”).

    From Wiktionary

  • de– mean

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Var. of demesne.

    From Wiktionary

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