different between degeneracy vs debasement

English

degeneracy (countable and uncountable, plural degeneracies)

the state of being degenerate (in all senses)
(neuroscience) the ability of one part of the brain to take over another's function without being overexerted.
Coordinate term: compensation

debase +? -ment

debasement (countable and uncountable, plural debasements)

The act of debasing or the state of being debased; a lowering or degradation, especially in character or quality.
- 1832, Edgar Allan Poe, "Bon Bon":
  His large water-dog was acquainted with the fact, and upon the approach of his master, betrayed his sense of inferiority by a sanctity of deportment, a debasement of the ears, and a dropping of the lower jaw not altogether unworthy of a dog.
- 2009, Gilbert Cruz, "The Many Faces of Addiction (Book review of America Anonymous: Eight Addicts in Search of a Life by Benoit Denizet-Lewis)," Time, 12 Jan.:
  There's something ugly and fascinating about reading such intimate tales of debasement and depression and failure and self-doubt.
The lowering of the value of a currency by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins.

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