degrade

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /dɪˈɡɹeɪd/ UK /dɪˈɡɹeɪd/ See IPA manual

Freq #28101

Meanings

1

verb
To treat someone without respect, making them feel worthless or ashamed.

He felt the comments were meant to degrade and humiliate him.
2

verb
To make something worse in quality, strength, or condition.

Exposure to sunlight gradually degrades the plastic.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to treat someone without... debase demean disgrace

Word family

Forms degradeddegrades

Derived forms biodegradedegradabilitydegradabledegradantdegradationdegradeedegradementdegraderdegradomedegradomicsdegradosomedegron

Simplified etymology

Degrade entered English in the Late Middle English period and ultimately belongs to the family of Latin gradus, “step.” It is related to grade, degree, gradual, graduate, and gradient.

Etymology

From Middle French dégrader.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

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