Debase

de-bas', v. [-based (-bast'), -basing.] To reduce to a lower state of worth, dignity, purity, — etc. to abase, degrade, lower, [de and base.] Debas'er, — Debased, -bast', a. (Her.) Turned from its base; upside down. — Debase'ment, n. Act of or state of being debased degradation. Debate, de-bat', Contention in words or arguments dispute controversy. — v. To fight or strive for, contend for in words or arguments, contest, argue, dispute. — v. To engage in strife or combat, contend, struggle, deliberate. [F. debattre, to debate, fr. L. de, down, and batuere, to beat. See Batter.] —Debating society. A society for debate — and improvement in extemporaneous speaking. Debat'er, n. One who debates; a disputant. — Debat'able, a. Liable to be, etc. disputable.