Abasing is a term that is often used in social and personal contexts. It is a word that can be associated with a negative connotation, and it refers to the act of lowering oneself or someone else’s status, reputation, or dignity. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abasing, its origin, and its use in different contexts.
Definitions
Abasing is defined as the act of reducing or lowering someone’s status, reputation, or dignity. It is an act of humiliation or degradation that can be done to oneself or others. The term is often used in social contexts, such as in relationships, work environments, or social situations, where one person may try to assert their dominance over another.
Origin
The term abasing comes from the Middle English word “abaisen,” which means to lower or humble oneself. The word has its roots in the Old French word “abaissier,” which means to lower or bring down. The word has been in use since the 14th century and has evolved to take on its current definition of reducing someone’s status or dignity.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of abasing is consistent across different dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to humiliate or degrade.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to make someone feel ashamed or not respected.”
Associations
Abasing is often associated with negative connotations, such as humiliation, degradation, and disrespect. It can be seen as an act of aggression or dominance over another person, and it can cause emotional distress and damage to one’s self-esteem. It is often used in the context of power dynamics, where one person may try to assert their authority over another.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms of abasing, including humiliating, degrading, demeaning, belittling, and lowering. These words all have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably with abasing.
Antonyms
The antonyms of abasing include elevating, promoting, praising, honoring, and respecting. These words all have the opposite meaning of abasing and are often used to describe positive actions that raise someone’s status or dignity.
The same root words
The root words of abasing include “base,” which means low or inferior, and “abase,” which means to lower or humble oneself. These words are often used in conjunction with abasing to describe the act of reducing someone’s status or dignity.
Example Sentences
- The boss was constantly abasing his employees, making them feel inferior and powerless.
- She felt abased when her partner criticized her in front of their friends.
- The politician’s scandal abased his reputation and caused him to lose the election.
- He refused to abase himself and apologize for something he didn’t do.
- The teacher’s praise elevated the student’s confidence and self-esteem, the opposite of abasing.