GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Degrade , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading.] [F. dégrader, LL. degradare, fr. L. de- + gradus step, degree. See Grade, and cf. Degree.]
   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.
   1913 Webster
   Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar.
   Palfrey.
   
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   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.
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   O miserable mankind, to what fall
   Degraded, to what wretched state reserved!
   Milton.
   
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   Yet time ennobles or degrades each line.
   Pope.
   
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   Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion.
   Macaulay.
   
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   (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
   Syn. -- To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase.
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2.       
   Degrade, v. i. (Biol.) 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.
   1913 Webster