degrading : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: degrading	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for degrading
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
degrading adj harmful to the mind or morals; "corrupt judges and their corrupting influence"; "the vicious and degrading cult of violence" Synonym(s): corrupting, degrading used of conduct; characterized by dishonor Synonym(s): debasing, degrading
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Degrade \Degrade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Degraded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Degrading}.] [F. d[82]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. Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar. --Palfrey. 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. O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! --Milton. Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. --Pope. Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading* passion. --Macaulay. 3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down. Syn: To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See {Abase}.