degrade

To degrade is defined as to treat someone with disrespect, to lower someone's rank, to make something not as good, or to break down or deteriorate.

(verb)

When you talk down to someone and insult him, this is an example of a time when you degrade the person.
When a substance begins to rot, this is an example of a time when it degrades.

See degrade in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb degraded, degrading

to lower in rank or status, as in punishing; demote
to lower or corrupt in quality, moral character, or value; debase
to bring into dishonor or contempt
Chem. to convert (an organic compound) into a simpler compound by removal of one or more parts of the molecule; decompose
Geol. to lower (a land surface) by erosion

Origin: ME degraden < OFr degrader < LL degradare, to reduce in rank < L de-, down + gradus: see de- & grade

intransitive verb

Related Forms:

See degrade in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb de·grad·ed, de·grad·ing, de·grades

verb, transitive

To reduce in grade, rank, or status; demote.
To lower in dignity; dishonor or disgrace: a scandal that degraded the participants.
To lower in moral or intellectual character; debase.
To reduce in worth or value: degrade a currency.
To impair in physical structure or function.
Geology To lower or wear by erosion or weathering.
To cause (an organic compound) to undergo degradation.

verb, intransitive