degrading
AdjectiveWordNet 3.0
Adjective (2)
- harmful to the mind or morals“corrupt judges and their corrupting influence”“the vicious and degrading cult of violence”Synonyms: corrupting
- used of conduct; characterized by dishonorSynonyms: debasing
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Degrade \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. [1913 Webster]
Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar.— Palfrey.[1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what wretched state reserved!— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Yet time ennobles or degrades each line.— Pope.[1913 Webster]
Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
3.(Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
Syn: To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase. [1913 Webster]
degrading \de*grad"ing\, a. causing humiliation or degradation; as, a degrading surrender. [PJC]