De*grade" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading.] [F. d'egrader, 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.
Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar.
Palfrey.
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.
O miserable mankind, to what fall
Degraded, to what wretched state reserved!
Milton.
He pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion.
Macaulay.
3. Geol.
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
Syn. -- To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.