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degrade

verb

/dɪˈɡreɪd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of degrade

To lower in quality, value, or character, especially in a way that is considered to be demeaning or insulting.
"The manager's dismissive attitude did nothing but degrade the morale of the team."

Detailed meaning of degrade

It can also mean to reduce something or someone to a lower or more debased state. For example, a person who is humiliated or treated with disrespect might be said to be degraded. A substance that has been contaminated or impure might also be described as being degraded. The term is often used to describe a situation in which something or someone is reduced in quality, value, or character, and is therefore seen as being debased or humiliated.

Example sentences containing degrade

1. The harsh weather conditions began to degrade the exterior of the historic building.
2. His constant mockery of her work ethic served to degrade her confidence.
3. When chemicals are improperly disposed of, they can degrade the environment.
4. Repeated washing may degrade the color and texture of the fabric.
5. Policies that degrade human rights should never be tolerated.
6. Her refusal to participate seemed to degrade the whole spirit of the community event.

History and etymology of degrade

The verb 'degrade' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'degradare,' which is a combination of 'de,' meaning 'down,' and 'gradus,' meaning 'step' or 'degree.' This Latin term was used to describe the process of descending from one step or level to a lower one. Over time, as the word made its way into English, it retained this sense of descending or lowering, but it also acquired a figurative connotation. In its modern usage, 'degrade' pertains to the act of lowering in quality, value, or character, often in a manner that is considered demeaning or insulting. This evolution of meaning reflects the idea that when something or someone is degraded, they are lowered from a higher status or quality to a less favorable one, echoing the root concept of descending from a higher step.

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Further usage examples of degrade

1. The loud and uncivil discourse served only to degrade the political conversation.
2. Cheap materials and poor craftsmanship will degrade the value of the product.
3. The school's reputation started to degrade after the scandal surfaced.
4. A lack of regular maintenance can degrade the performance of any machine.
5. His continuous lies served to degrade his relationship with his close friends.
6. Using slang and colloquial terms can sometimes degrade the formality of a speech.
7. The photo's quality continued to degrade with each successive print.
8. Exposure to sunlight can degrade certain chemicals, making them less effective.
9. Incessant arguing can degrade the sense of trust within a relationship.
10. Over time, the corrosive seawater began to degrade the steel of the ship.
11. The use of personal attacks in a debate will only degrade the integrity of the discussion.
12. Their attempt to degrade the significance of the issue backfired, creating more public interest.
13. Without proper care and attention, even the strongest materials will eventually degrade.
14. If you leave the iron outside, the rain will degrade it.
15. Sunlight and oxygen can degrade the chemicals in medication.
16. The harsh weather conditions degrade the materials of the building.
17. Acid rain can degrade the surfaces of historical monuments.
18. If you don't store wine properly, time will degrade its quality.
19. Certain enzymes degrade the food in our stomachs.
20. Harsh cleaning agents can degrade the fabric of your clothes.
21. The constant use of harsh language can degrade one’s self-esteem.
22. Fertilizers and pesticides degrade the quality of groundwater.
23. Disrespectful comments degrade the morale of a team.
24. The humid environment will degrade the painting if not controlled.
25. The overuse of antibiotics can degrade their effectiveness over time.
26. Saltwater can degrade metals and cause them to corrode.
27. Unchecked development can degrade natural habitats.
28. The polluted air in the city can degrade your lung capacity.
29. Microwaving certain plastics can degrade the materials and make them unsafe.
30. Bullying in schools can degrade the learning environment for students.
31. Pollution from the factory will degrade the air quality in the area.
32. The unrelenting noise from construction can degrade one's quality of sleep.
33. The relationship had degraded into a cycle of abuse and manipulation.