Definition

The action of making someone feel less important or lowering their dignity; a situation where someone feels humiliated or degraded.

Example

He felt a deep sense of abasement after being publicly criticized.

Conversation

I felt a bit of abasement when I forgot my lines on stage.

Oh no, that sounds really tough!

Yeah, it's hard not to feel humbled in front of everyone.

Just remember, everyone makes mistakes — it happens to the best of us!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abasement is formed from "ab-" (meaning down or away) and "ad-" (meaning to) combined with "bassus" (meaning low). The word describes the act of lowering oneself or being brought down in status or dignity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'going down' ('ab-') to a 'low' place ('bassus') — that's why abasement means a lowering of one's status.

Visually Confused Words