degrade

(dĭ-grādˈ)

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

1. To fall below a normal state; deteriorate.
2. To undergo degradation; decompose: a chemical that degrades rapidly.

Related Forms:

• de·gradˈer noun