From HomoExcelsior

1. To reduce in grade, rank, or status; demote. 2. a scandal that degraded the participants. 3. To lower in moral or intellectual character; debase. 4. degrade a currency. 5. To impair in physical structure or function. 6. To lower or wear by erosion or weathering. 7. To cause (an organic compound) to undergo degradation.

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