lower
To make something go down or become smaller in number, level, or strength.
To cause something to be less high, less loud, less intense, or less in amount.
Being under something else in place or having less power or importance.
Located beneath something else in position, or having a less important rank.
To move something to a lower place.
To move something to a position that is further down from where it was before.
Less in number, price, size, or level than another thing.
Having less amount, value, or degree than something else.
- Base: lower
- 3rd Person Singular: lowers
- Present Participle: lowering
- Past: lowered
lower one's guard
1Become less cautious or defensive
To stop being careful and ready to protect yourself from problems or danger.
- He lowered his guard and was quickly defeated.
- Don't lower your guard when dealing with strangers.
lower oneself to [do something]
1Do something beneath dignity or status
To do something you think is not good enough for you or is below your position.
- She refused to lower herself to argue with them.
- I won't lower myself to cheating just to win.
lower the bar
1Reduce standard for success
To make it easier to succeed by having a smaller goal or standard.
- The school decided to lower the bar for passing grades.
- We don't want to lower the bar just to get more participants.