Abasers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. To demean or belittle someone in a way that reduces their dignity
2. The act of humiliating or casting someone down to a lower status or position
3. Engaging in activities or speech that disparages an individual, undermining their self-worth

Etymology: "Abasers" is the plural of "abaser," a noun formed by adding the agent suffix "-er" to the verb "abase." That verb, meaning to lower someone in rank, dignity or self-respect, came into English from Old French "abaissier," itself built on "bas," meaning low. The "-er" ending has a long pedigree of its own: it descends through Old English "-ere," Middle English "-er," and earlier Latin "-arius," which denoted a person connected with a trade or role, and it has been used this way in English for centuries to name people who perform an action. So the noun simply names one who abases another, someone who lowers or humiliates. Its parts are transparent, and the word is a straightforward example of English joining an older verb to a long-established suffix.