degrade

degrade [dē grād′, digrād′]

vt.

degraded, degrading [ME degraden < OFr degrader < LL degradare, to reduce in rank < L de-, down + gradus: see DE- & GRADE]

1. to lower in rank or status, as in punishing; demote

2. to lower or corrupt in quality, moral character, or value; debase

3. to bring into dishonor or contempt

4. Chem. to convert (an organic compound) into a simpler compound by removal of one or more parts of the molecule; decompose

5. Geol. to lower (a land surface) by erosion

vi.

1. Rare to sink to a lower grade or type

2. to be converted into a simpler compound or compounds; decompose

degrader

n.

SYN.- DEGRADE literally means to lower in grade or rank, but it commonly implies a lowering or corrupting of moral character and self-respect; ABASE suggests a loss, often merely temporary and self-imposed, of dignity and respect [he abased himself before his employer ]; DEBASE implies a decline in value, quality, or character [a debased mind ]; to HUMBLE is to lower the pride or increase the humility, esp. of another, and, unqualified, suggests that such lowering is deserved [humbled by the frightening experience ]; to HUMILIATE is to humble or shame another painfully and in public [humiliated by their laughter ]