Entry Word: degrade

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to bring to a lower grade or rank <the view that such a system degrades doctors to the status of medical employees who ultimately are not in charge of their patientsʼ health care> — see demote
2 to lower in character or dignity <degrading the schoolʼs animal mascot with a silly costume> — see debase 1
3 to reduce to a lower standing in oneʼs own eyes or in othersʼ eyes <the players degraded themselves with their crude antics off the field> — see humble