verb
- to lower in dignity or respect; to degrade or demean
Usage: archaic or literary; often used reflexively (bemean oneself)
Examples
- He refused to bemean himself by accepting charity.
- She would not bemean her reputation by spreading gossip.
- To bemean oneself in such a manner was considered shameful.
- The king would not bemean his office by engaging in petty disputes.
- They felt it would bemean their family name to associate with such people.