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cheapen

verb cheap·en \ˈchē-pən\

: to cause (something) to be of lower quality

: to cause (something) to have or to seem to have less value, meaning, or importance

cheap·enedcheap·en·ing \ˈchēp-niŋ, ˈchē-pə-\

Full Definition of CHEAPEN

transitive verb
1
[obsolete English cheap to price, bid for] archaic
a :  to ask the price of
b :  to bid or bargain for
2
a :  to make cheap in price or value
b :  to lower in general esteem
c :  to make tawdry, vulgar, or inferior
intransitive verb
:  to become cheap
See cheapen defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of CHEAPEN

1562

Related to CHEAPEN

Synonyms
attenuate, break, depreciate, depress, devaluate, devalue, downgrade, lower, mark down, reduce, sink, write down, write off
Antonyms
appreciate, enhance, mark up, upgrade

Rhymes with CHEAPEN

deepen, steepen
CHEAPEN Defined for Kids

cheapen

verb cheap·en \ˈchē-pən\
cheap·enedcheap·en·ing

Definition of CHEAPEN for Kids

:  to cause to be of lower quality, value, or importance <Products are cheapened by poor workmanship.>

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