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(), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n.Degrading.] [F. dgrader, 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. Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. Pope. Her 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 Degrade" 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. スポンサード リンク
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