Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb debase
3 senses of debase
Sense 1
corrupt, pervert, subvert, demoralize, demoralise, debauch, debase, profane, vitiate, deprave, misdirect -- (corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; "debauch the young people with wine and women"; "Socrates was accused of corrupting young men"; "Do school counselors subvert young children?"; "corrupt the morals")
=> change, alter, modify -- (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue")
Sense 2
debase, alloy -- (lower in value by increasing the base-metal content)
=> devalue -- (lower the value or quality of; "The tear devalues the painting")
Sense 3
load, adulterate, stretch, dilute, debase -- (corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones; "adulterate liquor")
=> corrupt, spoil -- (alter from the original)
Antonyms of adj debasing
1 sense of debasing
Sense 1
debasing, degrading -- (used of conduct; characterized by dishonor)
INDIRECT (VIA dishonorable) -> honorable, honourable -- (worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect; "an honorable man"; "led an honorable life"; "honorable service to his country")
Similarity of adj debasing
1 sense of debasing
Sense 1
debasing, degrading -- (used of conduct; characterized by dishonor)
=> dishonorable (vs. honorable), dishonourable -- (lacking honor or integrity; deserving dishonor; "dishonorable in thought and deed")