| v. t. | 1. | 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; |
| 2. | 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; | |
| 3. | (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down. | |
| v. i. | 1. | (Biol.) To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; |
| Verb | 1. | degrade - reduce the level of land, as by erosion Antonyms: aggrade - build up to a level by depositing sediment |
| 2. | degrade - reduce in worth or character, usually verbally; "She tends to put down younger women colleagues"; "His critics took him down after the lecture" | |
| 3. | degrade - lower the grade of something; reduce its worth Synonyms: cheapen |
TO DEGRADE, DEGRADING. To, sink or lower a person in the estimation of the
public.
2. As a man's character is of great importance to him, and it is his
interest to retain the good opinion of all mankind, when he is a witness, he
cannot be compelled to disclose any matter which would tend to disgrace or
degrade him, 13 How. St. Tr. 17, 334, 16 How. St. Tr. 161. A question having
that tendency, however, may be asked, and, in such case, when the witness
chooses to answer it, the answer is conclusive. 1 Phil. Ev. 269; R. & M.
383.