Degrade

de-grād′, v.t. to lower in grade or rank: to deprive of office or dignity: to lower in character, value, or position: to disgrace.— n. Degradā′tion , disgrace: degeneration: abortive structural development: a lowering in dignity.— p.adjs. Degrad′ed , reduced in rank: base: low: ( her. ) placed on steps; Degrad′ing , debasing: disgraceful. [Fr. dégrader —L. de , down, and gradus , a step. See Grade .]