abase
Strip of dignity
To abase is to lower in rank, status, or dignity—to humble or degrade.
The word typically appears as a reflexive: He abased himself before the king.
Self-abasement suggests excessive humility or groveling.
The word is formal and somewhat literary, more common in historical or religious contexts than everyday speech.
Cause painful shame
- demeanLower in standing
- mortifyCause severe embarrassment
- embarrassCause social discomfort
- degradeLower in standing
belittle · humble · shame · disgrace · put down · diminish · crush · subjugate
humiliate
Cause painful shame
degrade · belittle · humble · shame · disgrace · put down · diminish · crush · subjugate · cow
submit
Present for consideration
grovel · kowtow · prostrate · bow · kneel · genuflect · capitulate · subordinate · subjugate · servile
dishonor
Loss of respect
tarnish · sully · defile · besmirch · taint · stigmatize · defame · smear · blot · blemish
- degradebelittle, demean, humiliate, degrade, diminish
- bring downbring down, take down, pull down, tear down, knock down