The definition for demean is "To lower status." Used in a sentence: The embarrassing photograph demeaned the candidate in the eyes of the voters.

The definition for diffident is "Lacking self–confidence." Used in a sentence: The diffident student never raised her hand in class, even when she knew the answer.

The definition for disdain is "Feeling of contempt." Used in a sentence: The arrogant writer did not hide his disdain for his uneducated dinner companion.

The definition for distortion is "The act of twisting out of shape." Used in a sentence: The story about the actress in the gossip column was a distortion of the truth.

The definition for periodic is "Occurring at regular intervals." Used in a sentence: The periodic innterruptions of the cuckoo clock prevented Li from concentrating.