degrade

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To lower in value or social position.

   Fred degrades himself by his behaviour.

2. 2
   verb

   To reduce in quality or purity.

   The DNA sample has degraded.

3. 3
   verb

   lower the grade of something

4. 4
   verb

   reduce the level of land, as by erosion

5. 5
   verb

   reduce in worth or character, usually verbally

6. 6
   verb

   To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.

Etymology

From Middle French dégrader.