Dictionary.net

reduce in worth, character, etc.; disgrace; dishonour

reduce the level of land, as by erosion

reduce the level of land, as by erosion

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To reduce in grade or rank; deprive of honors, office, or dignity; lower physically or morally.

To deprive of, or lower in, office or rank; disgrace.

To reduce in rank; debase in character or quality; make mean or contemptible.

To decline in character, reputation, or standing; degenerate.