de·mean 
/dɪˈmi:n/ verb
de·means; de·meaned; de·mean·ing /dɪˈmi:n/ verb [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to seem less important or less worthy of respect
▪ He was careful not to demean [=debase, put down] his opponent, choosing instead to show him respect. ▪ Her statement demeans the hard work the group has done. ▪ Their casual reaction demeans the seriousness of the problem. [=fails to treat the problem in an appropriately serious way] ▪ I refuse to demean myself by replying to these unjust accusations.
▪ He was careful not to demean [=debase, put down] his opponent, choosing instead to show him respect. ▪ Her statement demeans the hard work the group has done. ▪ Their casual reaction demeans the seriousness of the problem. [=fails to treat the problem in an appropriately serious way] ▪ I refuse to demean myself by replying to these unjust accusations.
— demeaning adjective [more demeaning; most demeaning]
▪ Our petty arguments are demeaning to us both. ▪ His comment is demeaning to women. ▪ He found the work demeaning. [=degrading] ▪ demeaning stereotypes
▪ Our petty arguments are demeaning to us both. ▪ His comment is demeaning to women. ▪ He found the work demeaning. [=degrading] ▪ demeaning stereotypes
