Degrade
To lower in dignity, rank, or quality; to belittle or disrespect someone, or to cause something to deteriorate.
verbDegrade
To lower in dignity, rank, or quality; to belittle or disrespect someone, or to cause something to deteriorate.
verbImagine This
Imagine a once-polished statue standing in a plaza that weather and pollution slowly wear down. Its surface degrades over years, losing shine and detail, just as a public figure's reputation can degrade after a harsh, public scandal.
Sounds Like
di-GRAYD
Looks Like
Looks like de- + grade, suggesting moving down a grade or rank.
Remember This
Etymology comes from Latin degradare, de- (down) + gradi (to step); the root 'grade' evokes levels or steps.
Other Forms
Connect With
demean, debase, belittle, lower, downgrade, humiliation
Note
Degrade can refer to lowering a person's dignity or a drop in quality. Do not confuse with downgrade (to lower something to a lower rank or level). 'Degradation' is the noun form; 'degrading' describes the act or process.