abasement

The story

1. Middle French · derived fromabaissement“astonishment”
2. Middle English · inherited fromabaissement
3. English todayabasement

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

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• Mid 16ᵗʰ century. The act of abasing, humbling, or bringing low.
• Mid 16ᵗʰ century. The state of being abased or humbled; humiliation or degradation; a feeling of having been reduced in dignity, reputation, stature, self-esteem or respect.