01 v. t. 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; as, to degrade a …
imp. & p. p.
Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n.
Degrading
-
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; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer.“Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar.” — Palfrey.
-
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; as, vice degrades a man.“O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what wretched state reserved!” — Milton.“Yet time ennobles or degrades each line.” — Pope.“Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion.” — Macaulay.
-
3.
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.(Geol.)