1. to reduce in quality, character, or value; to make worse
2. to treat someone in a way that makes them feel ashamed or less respected
3. to break down or decompose naturally over time
Usage: scientific

Examples

• Pollution degrades the quality of our water supply.
• The harsh treatment degrades prisoners’ sense of dignity.
• Sunlight degrades plastic materials over time.
• Poor maintenance degrades the building’s structural integrity.
• The chemical slowly degrades in soil and becomes harmless.
• Constant criticism degrades a person’s self-confidence.