Definitions

degrade

[dih-greyd, dee-greyd] / dɪˈgreɪd, diˈgreɪd /

VERB

shame, humiliate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheapen corrupt debase degenerate demean deteriorate diminish discredit disgrace downgrade impair lessen reduce vitiate weaken

STRONG

abase belittle bench break bump bust canker debauch decry demote depose deprave derogate detract disbar dishonor disparage humble injure lower pan pervert sink slam

WEAK

bemean cast down cut down to size declass mudsling put down rule out run down shoot down take down take down a peg tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist develop enhance enlarge expand extend grow help honor improve increase praise purify raise strengthen upgrade

STRONG

build up compliment exalt fix flatter laud mend promote rise

WEAK

admire approve elevate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Degrade has reference to a bringing down from some higher grade or from some standard.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

A license far beyond poetic use Not to translate old authors but abuse The wit of Romans; and their lofty sense Degrade into new poems made from thence, Disguise old Rome in our new eloquence.

From Early Theories of Translation by Amos, Flora Ross

And for this you will not hesitate to rob him of all his friends, to embitter his future life, to degrade him among his peers,—" "Degrade him!

From Phineas Finn The Irish Member by Trollope, Anthony

Degrade may refer to either station or character.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

Degrade themselves to the base accidents of matter?

From Hypatia — or New Foes with an Old Face by Kingsley, Charles

Vocabulary lists containing degrade

30 GRE Words Beginning with "D"

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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How Low Can You Go? Synonyms for "Downward"

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