abase

What does “abase” mean?

verb.to humble or degrade someone; to lower in rank or status.

SAT Usage

This verb often appears in contexts related to social hierarchies or moral dilemmas, emphasizing the intentional act of undermining someone's dignity or status. It specifically conveys a sense of deliberate humiliation, distinguishing it from similar words like "humiliate," which may not always imply a reduction in rank or status.

Common Confusions

Abase implies a deliberate act of lowering someone's rank or dignity, while belittle usually suggests making someone or something seem less important without necessarily diminishing their status.

Example Sentences

• The tyrant used public humiliation to abase his opponents.

• The coach's harsh criticism during practice served only to abase the players, eroding their confidence and dampening their spirits.