Demean | Mean of demean in English Dictionary

/dɪˈmiːn/

• Verb
• to cause (someone or something) to seem less important or less worthy of respect
1. He was careful not to demean [=debase, put down] his opponent, choosing instead to show him respect.
2. Her statement demeans the hard work the group has done.
3. Their casual reaction demeans the seriousness of the problem. [=fails to treat the problem in an appropriately serious way]
4. I refuse to demean myself by replying to these unjust accusations.