Debase (verb)

1. To reduce the quality, value, or dignity of something or someone.
2. To lower the worth of currency by reducing the amount of precious metal in it.

Origin:

Derived from the latin word debasare which means 'to lower, to degrade.'.

Examples:

1. The company's reputation was debased by the scandal.
2. Her behavior debased the dignity of the office.
3. The government debased the currency to pay for the war.
4. The art form was debased by commercialization.
5. The once proud tradition was debased by modern changes.