Definition of "demean" []

To conduct or behave (oneself) in a particular manner: demeaned themselves well in class. (verb-transitive)
To debase, as in dignity or social standing: professionals who feel demeaned by unskilled work. (verb-transitive)
To humble (oneself). See Synonyms at degrade. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "demean" in a sentence

"The fact that people choose to run for public office and put themselves out there for others to ridicule and demean is fascinating."
"Their favorite word seems to be "demean" - as in the governor is trying to demean them and their vocation."
"Just to savor this for a moment, consider that Martinez said above that it would "demean" the service of the troops to support Webb's measure, because we mustn't "say to them that there had to be a parity between the time in service out of the country and the time at home.""

Words like "demean"

abase bearing behave behavior chagrin comport

conduct debase degrade dehumanise dehumanize demeaned

demeaning demeanor demeans humble humiliate lower

management mortify reduce treatment