degrade

• Verbe désignant l'action de réduire la qualité, la valeur ou le rang de quelque chose ou de quelqu'un ; provoquer une détérioration ou une perte de respect.

A verb used to indicate the act of lowering in quality, value, or rank; to cause something to deteriorate or become less respected.

1. Lower in quality or valueB2formal

   To reduce the quality, value, or condition of something.

   dégrader

   • Pollution degrades the quality of the water in the river.
   • Constant exposure to sunlight can degrade the fabric.
   • The company's reputation was degraded by the scandal.

   Synonymescheapencorruptdebasedemeandeterioratedevaluediminishdowngradeimpairworsen

   Antonymeselevateenhanceimproverefineupgrade

2. Treat with disrespectB2formal

   To treat someone in a way that makes them feel worthless or less respected.

   traiter avec mépris

   • He felt degraded by the harsh criticism from his boss.
   • The prisoners were degraded by the guards.
   • She refused to degrade herself by begging for the job.

   Synonymesabasebelittledebasedemeandisparagehumiliateinsultput downshame

   Antonymesdignifyesteemhonorrespectvalue

3. Break down chemicallyC1formalscientific

   To break down or decompose into simpler components.

   Dégrader (se) / Décomposer chimiquement

   • Bacteria help degrade organic waste in the soil.
   • The plastic will degrade over time in the ocean.
   • Enzymes degrade proteins into amino acids.

   Synonymesbreak downcorrodedecaydecomposedisintegratedissolve