Definition of degrade Degrade

/dɪgɹejˈd/ - [digreyd] - de•grade

We found 13 definitions of degrade from 6 different sources.

What does degrade mean?

Verb degrades, degrading, degraded
degrade - lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
		cheapen
		aggravate, exacerbate, worsen, exasperate exasperate or irritate
		devaluate, devalue lower the value or quality of; "The tear devalues the painting"
degrade - reduce the level of land, as by erosion
		aggrade build up to a level by depositing sediment
degrade - reduce in worth or character, usually verbally; "She tends to put down younger women colleagues"; "His critics took him down after the lecture"
		take down, disgrace, demean, put down
		abase, chagrin, humiliate, humble, mortify cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of; "He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss"
		reduce take off weight
		dehumanise, dehumanize make mechanical or routine

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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.
degrade (v. t.)
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.
degrade (v. t.)
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
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.

degrade
de-grād′, v.t. to lower in grade or rank: to deprive of office or dignity: to lower in character, value, or position: to disgrace.—n. Degradā′tion, disgrace: degeneration: abortive structural development: a lowering in dignity.—p.adjs. Degrad′ed, reduced in rank: base: low: (her.) placed on steps; Degrad′ing, debasing: disgraceful. [Fr. dégrader—L. de, down, and gradus, a step. See Grade.]

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degrade in sign language