demote /dɪˈməʊt/ TEM8 ( demoting, demoted, demotes )

• 1. 

  V-T If someone demotes you, they give you a lower rank or a less important position than you already have, often as a punishment. 使降级; 使降职

  例：

  It's very difficult to demote somebody who has been filling in during maternity leave.

  给替代歇产假的人降职是很难的。

• 2. 

  demotion N-VAR 降级; 降职

  例：

  He is seeking redress for what he alleges was an unfair demotion.

  他正在为他所声称不公正的降职寻求赔偿。