8. degrade (esp. of an organic compound) to breakdown or decompose.
Etymology: (1275–1325; ME < LL dēgradāre= L dē-de - + -gradāre, der. of L gradusgrade)
Definition of 'degrade'
Princeton's WordNet
1. (verb)degrade reduce the level of land, as by erosion
2. (verb)take down, degrade, disgrace, demean, put down reduce in worth or character, usually verbally "She tends to put down younger women colleagues"; "His critics took him down after the lecture"
3. (verb)degrade, cheapen lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
Definition of 'degrade'
Webster Dictionary
1. (verb)degrade to reduce from a higher to a lowerrank or degree; to lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a generalofficer
2. (verb)degrade to reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectualcharacter of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man
3. (verb)degrade to reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to weardown
4. (verb)degrade to degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lowertype of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera