demote
/diːˈməʊt
/verb [with object]
Move (someone) to a lower position or rank, usually as a punishment: the head of the army was demoted to deputy defence secretary...
- This must have been nearly as shocking as that dark day lost in history when she was demoted from her position as milk monitor at primary school.
- Last year the team was demoted from senior ranks but are back up again.
- I can't believe they're demoting her to a lower class soldier!
Synonyms
downgrade, relegate, declass, move down, lower in rank, reduce in rank, strip of rank, reduce to the ranks;
depose, unseat, dethrone, displace, oust, drum out, remove from office;
Military cashier, disrate;
North American bust
Origin
Late 19th century: from de- 'down' + a shortened form of promote.