/ dɪˈgreɪd; NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn ] to show or treat sb in a way that makes them seem not worth any respect or not worth taking seriously :
This poster is offensive and degrades women.
2.
[ v , vn ] ( technical ) to change or make sth change to a simpler chemical form
3.
[ vn ] ( technical ) to make sth become worse, especially in quality
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French degrader , from ecclesiastical Latin degradare , from de- down, away from + Latin gradus step or grade.