demote

[dih-moht]

verb (used with object)

demoted, demoting 

1. to reduce to a lower grade, rank, class, or position (promote ).

   They demoted the careless waiter to busboy.

demote

/ dɪˈməʊt /

verb

1. (tr) to lower in rank or position; relegate

Other Word Forms

• demotion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demote¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; de- + (pro)mote

Word History and Origins

Origin of demote¹

C19: from _de- + ( _pro ) _mote

Example Sentences

For the individuals involved - with ambitions met or punctured - the overlooked, demoted or sacked almost always outnumber the elevated, smiling and promoted.

From BBC

This is a well-worn theme of Starmer's leadership, but he is willing to demote, sideline or dispense with people who have served him very closely.

From BBC

They had also been demoted to Ligue 2 over the poor state of their finances, but got their top-flight place back on appeal, and left Palace doomed.

From BBC

FA Cup winners Crystal Palace are in the Conference League, having been demoted from the Europa League over multi-club ownership rules.

From BBC

Forest were initially placed into the Conference League but moved up to the Europa League after Crystal Palace were demoted for breaching Uefa's multi-club ownership rules.

From BBC

Related Words

• bump 
• dismiss 
• relegate