\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}.

\De*grade"\, v. i. (Biol.)
To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of
structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through
this or that genus or group of genera.