From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Degrade \De*grade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Degraded}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Degrading}.] [F. d['e]grader, 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.
[1913 Webster]
Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be
degraded from the bar. --Palfrey.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
O miserable mankind, to what fall
Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
Her pride . . . struggled hard against this
degrading passion. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and
mountains; to wear down.
Syn: To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See {Abase}.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
degrading \de*grad"ing\, a.
causing humiliation or degradation; as, a degrading
surrender.
[PJC]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
degrading
adj 1: harmful to the mind or morals; "corrupt judges and their
corrupting influence"; "the vicious and degrading cult of
violence" [syn: {corrupting}, {degrading}]
2: used of conduct; characterized by dishonor [syn: {debasing},
{degrading}]
|
