demote

英 [ˌdiːˈməʊt]

美 [ˌdiːˈmoʊt]

v. 使降级，使降职，使降低地位(常作为惩罚)

过去分词：demoted　过去式：demoted　现在分词：demoting　第三人称单数：demotes　

Collins.1 / BNC.20150 / COCA.18146

牛津词典

verb

使降级，使降职，使降低地位（常作为惩罚）
to move sb to a lower position or rank, often as a punishment

VERB 使降级;使降职;使降低地位
If someonedemotesyou, they give you a lower rank or a less important position than you already have, often as a punishment.
1. It's very difficult to demote somebody who has been standing in during maternity leave...
  要将一个在别人休产假期间顶替上来的人再降职是非常困难的。
2. If they prove ineffective they should be demoted or asked to retire.
  如果事实证明他们已无力胜任，应该将他们降级或让他们退休。
VERB 使(球队等)降级
If a team in a sports leagueis demoted, that team has to compete in the next competition in a lower division, because it was one of the least successful teams in the higher division.
1. The club was demoted at the end of last season.
  上个赛季末该俱乐部被降级了。

verb

assign to a lower position
1. She was demoted because she always speaks up
2. He was broken down to Sergeant
Synonym:bumprelegatebreakkick downstairs