degrade

Definitions

1. 1.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. O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! Milton. He pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion. Macaulay.
2. 2.(Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down. See Abase.
3. 3.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.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "degrade" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is degrade.

• What is to reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down. See Abase called?
• What is 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 called?