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degrading

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degrading


  2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  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. 
 
  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}. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  degrading 
  adj  1:  harmful  to  the  mind  or  morals;  "corrupt  judges  and  their 
  corrupting  influence";  "the  vicious  and  degrading  cult 
  of  violence"  [syn:  {corrupting}] 
  2:  used  of  conduct;  characterized  by  dishonor  [syn:  {debasing}] 




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