- 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