Definition Definition

degrade - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'degrade' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Degrade [ v. i.]
- To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera.
2 . Degrade [ v. t.]
- To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer.
- To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man.
- To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.

Meaning of 'degrade' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . degrade [ v]
Meaning (1):
- reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
Example in sentence:
  • His critics took him down after the lecture;
  • She tends to put down younger women colleagues