degrade degrade /dɪˈgreɪd/

verb

1. () Reduce the level of land, as by erosion  ( degrade )
   reduce the level of land, as by erosion
   
2. Lower the grade of something; reduce its worth  ( cheapen , degrade )
   lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
   
3. Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally  ( degrade , disgrace , put down , demean , take down )
   reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
    She tends to put down younger women colleagues
   She tends to put down younger women colleagues
    His critics took him down after the lecture
   His critics took him down after the lecture