Abased

Abased is the past participle of the verb abase. As an adjective, it describes a person or thing that has been degraded, humiliated, or lowered in status or dignity. As a verb form, to abase means to belittle, degrade, or cause someone to lose rank, respect, or self-worth. The term often implies a deliberate or systemic lowering of status rather than a neutral change in height or position.

Etymology: The word derives from Middle English via Old French abaissier, from bas meaning low. The sense developed to cover acts of humiliation or reduction in status, rather than physical elevation or lowering alone.

Usage and context: In literature and discourse, abased frequently describes social subordination and humiliation, whether inflicted by another person, by social structures, or by ritual or spiritual practices emphasizing humility. The term appears in discussions of power dynamics, ethics, and historical contexts where individuals or groups are demeaned or degraded. Abasement can be psychological, social, or institutional, and may be temporary or enduring. In modern usage, the term often conveys a critical or descriptive tone about power imbalances or abusive behavior, rather than a neutral physical change.

See also: abase, abasement, humility, humiliation.