definition of
degrade

[1] #1 degrade v. reduce the level of land, as by erosion. wn

[2] #2 degrade v. [take down, disgrace, demean, put down] reduce in worth or character, usually verbally; "She tends to put down younger women colleagues"; "His critics took him down after the lecture". wn

[3] #3 degrade v. [cheapen] lower the grade of something; reduce its worth. wn