demean

Demean is a verb meaning to cause someone to lose dignity or to behave in a way that belittles or degrades another person. It is typically used transitively: to demean someone or to demean the office of a public figure. It can also be used reflexively with “demean oneself” to mean behaving in a way that lowers one’s own dignity or self-respect.

Etymology: The word comes from Old French demener, meaning to lead away or conduct, and was adopted into English with the sense of conducting oneself, later acquiring the sense of degrading or lowering in dignity.

Usage notes: Demeaning actions are often linked to insults, public shaming, or patronizing treatment. In legal or organizational contexts, language about “demeaning conduct” may appear in harassment or civility policies. The term is strongly negative and should be used with precision; more specific terms such as degrade, belittle, or insult may be clearer depending on context.

Related terms: Demean is connected to degrade, belittle, devalue, and insult; its noun counterpart is demeanor, which refers to outward conduct rather than the act of lowering dignity. Demean contrasts with actions that respect or dignify others.