Definition of: degrade

(di·grād′) v. ·grad·ed, ·grad·ing v.t.
1. To reduce in rank; remove from office, dignity, etc.; disgrace.
2. To debase or lower in character, morals, etc.
3. To bring into contempt; dishonor.
4. To reduce in quality, intensity, etc.
5. Biol. To reduce from a higher to a lower type.
6. Geol. To reduce the height of by erosion.
7. Chem. To break down (a compound) into less complex parts; decompose.
—v.i.
8.. To degenerate; become of a lower type. See synonyms under ABASE. [<OF degrader <LL degradi <de- down + gradi step]