What does the word 'abase' mean?

The term "abase" means to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem. It typically implies a reduction in value or dignity, often suggesting some form of humiliation or degradation. In many contexts, it can be used to describe the act of bringing someone down from a position of respect or high status to a lesser one.

Understanding this definition helps clarify why it fits within social, professional, or personal interactions where one might experience a loss of status or respect as a result of actions or circumstances. The other options do not encapsulate this meaning; for example, "elevate" and "promote" indicate an increase in status, whereas "ignore" suggests a lack of attention rather than a change in rank or esteem. Thus, the correct understanding of "abase" aligns well with the idea of lowering in rank.