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.

"By better understanding how different types of cathode materials degrade, we can help design a suite of high-functioning cathode materials for the world's energy needs."

From Science Daily

This has been evidenced by the degrading state of some of its most historic buildings, like the Queen's Theatre, the fire-hit Leopard pub and the Wedgwood Institute.

From BBC

Eissa Zidan, head of conservation projects at the museum, said the wooden planks were "thermally degraded and in a very weak condition".

From Barron's

Some brain regions form stronger groups, and connections between regions start to degrade.

From The Wall Street Journal

"However, if you don't have the right bacteria, that's when it becomes problematic. Because in those conditions, sorbitol doesn't get degraded and as a result, it is passed on to the liver," he said.

From Science Daily

degrade

Example Sentences

Related Words