Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Debase \De*base"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Debased}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Debasing}.] [Pref. de- + base. See {Base}, a., and cf.
   {Abase}.]
   To reduce from a higher to a lower state or grade of worth,
   dignity, purity, station, etc.; to degrade; to lower; to
   deteriorate; to abase; as, to debase the character by crime;
   to debase the mind by frivolity; to debase style by vulgar
   words.

         The coin which was adulterated and debased. --Hale.

         It is a kind of taking God's name in vain to debase
         religion with such frivolous disputes.   --Hooker.

         And to debase the sons, exalts the sires. --Pope.

   Syn: To abase; degrade. See {Abase}.

Source : WordNet®

debasing
     adj : used of conduct; characterized by dishonor [syn: {degrading}]