If someone demotes you, they give you a lower rank or a less important position than you already have, often as a punishment. It's very difficult to demote somebody who has been standing in during maternity leave promote + demotion demotions de·mo·tion He is seeking redress for what he alleges was an unfair demotion. promotion
If a team in a sports league is demoted, that team has to compete in the next competition in a lower division, because it was one of the least successful teams in the higher division. The club was demoted at the end of last season. promote + demotion de·mo·tion The team now almost certainly faces demotion. promotion. to make someone's rank or position lower or less important promote (de- + promote)