STOOPING

To bend the upper part of the body forward and downward to a half-squatting position; crouch.

Example: "He stooped to tie his shoe-laces."

To lower oneself; to demean or do something below one's status, standards, or morals.

Example: "Can you believe that a salesman would stoop so low as to hide his customers' car keys until they agreed to the purchase?"

Of a bird of prey: to swoop down on its prey.

To cause to incline downward; to slant.

Example: "To stoop a cask of liquor"

To cause to submit; to prostrate.

To yield; to submit; to bend, as by compulsion; to assume a position of humility or subjection.

To descend from rank or dignity; to condescend.

To degrade.