Demean (Verb)
Meaning
Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally; "She tends to put down younger women colleagues"; "His critics took him down after the lecture".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- Her condescending tone seemed to demean the efforts of her teammates at the meeting.
- The politician's negative ads demeaned her opponent, focusing on personal attacks rather than policy issues.
- He constantly tries to demean his brother's accomplishments in front of the family.
- The comedian's cruel jokes often demean entire groups of people for a laugh.
- Her harsh criticism was meant to demean the artist and undermine her self-confidence.