Degrade, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading.]
Etymology: [F. dégrader, LL. degradare, fr. L. de- + gradus step, degree. See Grade, and cf. Degree.]
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. He pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion. Macaulay.
3. (Geol.)
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
1 more senses
Syn. -- To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Degrade, v. i. (Biol.)
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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for degrade; he lists it under abase.
Where he writes about it:
Degrade may refer to either station or character. — from abase
An officer is degraded by being reduced to the ranks, disgraced by cowardice; vile practises degrade; drunkenness is a degrading vice. — from abase