De*base" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debased (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Debasing.] [Pref. de- + base. See Base, a., and cf. Abase.] To reduce from a higher to a lower state or grade of worth, dignity, purity, station, etc.; to degrade; to lower; to deteriorate; to abase; as, to debase the character by crime; to debase the mind by frivolity; to debase style by vulgar words.

The coin which was adulterated and debased.

It is a kind of taking God's name in vain to debase religion with such frivolous disputes.

And to debase the sons, exalts the sires.

Syn. -- To abase; degrade. See Abase.

• To lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade.