minac-, minat-

(Latin: threaten, thretening; to jut out, project out, tower up)

demean (verb), demeans; demeaned; demeaning
To cause a person or something to seem less important or less worthy of respect: The political candidate was careful not to demean her opponent; instead, she chose to show at least some respect for him.

The casual reaction of some of the members of the project demeans the hard work that the group had done.

To lower or to humble oneself.
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demeaning (adjective), more demeaning, most demeaning
A reference to making something seem insignificant or someone appear to be less worthy of respect: "The man's demeaning comments about Melba's work were considered inappropriate and insulting."
demeanor (s) (noun), demeanors (pl)
1. Someone's behavior or conduct: Generally, people are admired for their gentle demeanors or they are despised because of their cruel demeanors.

Those with a haughty or unfriendly demeanor are generally not liked by other people.

2. Etymology: from outdated Middle English demean, "handle, manage, conduct"; later, it meant, "behave in a certain way", from Old French demener, "to guide, to conduct; to live, or to dwell", from de-. "completely" + mener "to lead, to direct"; from Latin minare, "to threaten".
Outward behavior.
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A way of acting or behaving.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
for a list of additional Mickey Bach illustrations.

menace (s) (noun), menaces (pl)
1. A possible danger; a threat.
2. The act of threatening.
3. A troublesome or annoying person: The little boy was a menace in a shop full of crystal."
4. To utter threats against.
5. To constitute a threat to; to endanger.
menace (verb), menaces; menaced; menacing
menacing (adjective)
minacious
Of a menacing or threatening nature; minatory.
minaciousness (s) (noun)
Of a menacing or threatening nature; minatory.
minacity
A disposition or tendency to threaten.
minatory
1. Menacing, warning, or threatening.
2. Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments.