abasement

noun

Etymology: From Middle English abaissement, from Middle French abaissement (“astonishment”). Equivalent to abase + -ment. Compare French abaissement.

1. The act of abasing, humbling, or bringing low.

   “For quotations using this term, see Citations:abasement.”

2. The state of being abased or humbled; humiliation or degradation; a feeling of having been reduced in dignity, reputation, stature, self-esteem or respect.

   “After his actions, my abasement is complete, and I can be humiliated no more.”

   “He was wearing cavalry twill trousers and a buff crew-neck sweater. The effect was of symbolic abasement mixed with military resolve […]”