Demote

/dɪˈmoʊt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to reduce in rank, status, or grade.
After the budget cuts, the company decided to demote several managers to save costs.
to assign to a lower position or grade.
The teacher had no choice but to demote the student for repeated misconduct.
to move a player to a lower division or league.
The team was forced to demote their star player to the minor league after a series of poor performances.
to lower the importance or priority of something.
The new policies will likely demote the significance of environmental issues in company decisions.

Etymology

From de- + mote (from Latin 'movere', meaning 'to move').

Common Phrases and Expressions

demote to
to assign someone to a lower position
demote someone
to reduce someone’s rank or status
demotion process
the procedure involved in lowering someone's position

Related Words

promotion
The act of raising someone to a higher rank or position.
relegate
To assign to a lower position or status.
position
The specific place or rank someone holds.

Slang Meanings

To drop someone from a position of power.
He was totally demoted after that mistake at work.
To be kicked down the ladder.
After his slip-up, he felt like he was really demoted at the office.