1. to do something that one considers to be beneath one’s dignity; to condescend
Usage: formal

Examples

• The famous actor rarely deigns to sign autographs.
• She deigns to speak to us only when she needs something.
• The professor deigns to answer student questions after class.
• He never deigns to acknowledge his former colleagues.
• The celebrity deigns to make a brief appearance at the charity event.
• The wealthy heiress deigns to visit the local shelter once a year.