From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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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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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Degrade \De*grade"\, v. i. (Biol.)
To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of
structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through
this or that genus or group of genera.
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