Want to say degrade differently? Here are other words for degrade and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of degrade
to make something worse in quality, condition, or character
Etymology of degrade
The word "degrade" comes from the Old French word "degrader", which is derived from the Latin words "de" (meaning "down" or "away from") and "gradus" (meaning "step" or "degree")
Historically, the word "degrade" has been used to describe a range of negative changes, from physical deterioration to moral corruption
Synonyms
deteriorate
worsen
decline
slump
sink
drop
fall
slip
slide
plummet
downgrade
diminish
reduce
lower
impair
damage
harm
injure
weaken
enfeeble
debilitate
cripple
maim
disable
disfigure
mar
spoil
tarnish
sully
corrupt
pollute
contaminate
defile
profane
desecrate
debase
demean
humble
humiliate
mortify
abase
depress
deject
dishearten
dispirit
demoralize
demote
downgrade
reduce
minimize
decrease
lessen
contract
shrink
narrow
confine
restrict
limit
impede
hinder
obstruct
Halt
Definitions
- to cause something to become worse in quality, condition, or character
- * to lower someone's rank, status, or position
- * to treat someone or something with disrespect or contempt
Usage Examples
- The city's infrastructure began to degrade after years of neglect
- * The company's reputation was degraded by the scandal
- * The soil was degraded by the use of pesticides and fertilizers