What does Degrade mean?
Definitions for Degrade
dɪˈgreɪd or, for 3 , di-de·grade
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word Degrade.
Princeton's WordNet
degradeverb
reduce the level of land, as by erosion
take down, degrade, disgrace, demean, put downverb
reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
"She tends to put down younger women colleagues"; "His critics took him down after the lecture"
degrade, cheapenverb
lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
Wiktionary
degradeverb
To lower in value or social position.
Fred degrades himself by his behaviour.
degradeverb
To reduce in quality or purity.
The DNA sample has degraded.
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
To DEGRADEverb
Etymology: degrader, French.
He should
Be quite degraded, like a hedgeborn swain,
That doth presume to boast of gentle blood. William Shakespeare, Hen. VI.Nor shalt thou, by descending to assume
Man’s nature, lessen or degrade thine own. John Milton, Par. Lost.All higher knowledge in her presence falls
Degraded. John Milton, Paradise Lost, b. viii. i. 551.
ChatGPT
degrade
To degrade is to lower in quality, status, or character; or to cause something to break down or deteriorate over time. This term could refer to physical objects, environments, or abstract concepts like a person's reputation or respect. Degrade also refers to the process by which natural substances, chemicals, or compounds are broken down or decomposed, often by natural biological activity.
Webster Dictionary
Degradeverb
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
Degradeverb
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
Degradeverb
to reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down
Degradeverb
to degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Degrade
de-grād′, v.t. to lower in grade or rank: to deprive of office or dignity: to lower in character, value, or position: to disgrace.—n. Degradā′tion, disgrace: degeneration: abortive structural development: a lowering in dignity.—p.adjs. Degrad′ed, reduced in rank: base: low: (her.) placed on steps; Degrad′ing, debasing: disgraceful. [Fr. dégrader—L. de, down, and gradus, a step. See Grade.]
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of Degrade in Chaldean Numerology is: 6
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of Degrade in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8
Examples of Degrade in a Sentence
ISIL is the face of evil, our goal, as I've said many times, is to degrade and ultimately destroy this barbaric terrorist organization.
I would have a coalition of countries, including us, on the ground, beginning to degrade and destroy ISIS. Because as you begin to do it, that whole caliphate begins to fall apart in my judgment.
We're going to help them to degrade the enemies that we share in common. They are fighting America's enemies. These are sworn enemies of the United States, United States's why we're here. We can fight them here or we can fight them somewhere else at a much higher cost.
Counter autonomy systems to destroy Russian and Iranian drones will be vital, we need more of these anti-drone systems for Ukraine to degrade the Russian targeting for artillery, as well as deny them use of suicide drones. This is important. The' detection to destruction' time flow is several minutes. We need to change this.
I stand against any person or organization that peddles this type of unbridled hate and unapologetic bigotry, these vile efforts to degrade and disparage others are contrary to the highest ideals of our state and country. We unequivocally condemn this group and their horrible actions.
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Translations for Degrade
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"Degrade." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 14 Mar. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/Degrade>.
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