demean

verb (used with object)

1. to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase: He demeaned himself by accepting the bribe.

verb (used with object)

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

noun

2. Archaic. demeanor.

verb

1. (tr) to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase

verb

1. (tr) rare to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way

v.

“lower in dignity,” c.1600, perhaps from de- “down” + mean (adj.) and modeled on debase. Indistinguishable in some uses from obsolete demean (see demeanor) which influenced it and may be its true source. Related: Demeaned; demeaning.