transitive. Originally and chiefly British. To embarrass or humiliate (a person), especially by behaving badly in public. Also reflexive: to…

transitive. To reduce the size or importance of (a thing). Of a person's reputation, character, etc.: to depreciate, to ‘debunk’.

transitive. To remove the ‘nonsense’ or false sentiment from; to expose (false claims or pretensions); hence, to remove (a person) from his…