Degrade (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading.] [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.
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Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar. Palfrey.
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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.
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O miserable mankind, to what fall
Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! Milton.
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Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. Pope.
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Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion. Macaulay.
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3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.

Syn. -- To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase.
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