degrade

• Verbo usado para indicar a ação de reduzir a qualidade, o valor ou o nível de algo; causar deterioração, piora ou perda de respeito.

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.

   Degradar

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscheapencorruptdebasedemeandeterioratedevaluediminishdowngradeimpairworsen

   Antônimoselevateenhanceimproverefineupgrade

2. Treat with disrespectB2formal

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

   Humilhar

   • 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.

   Sinônimosabasebelittledebasedemeandisparagehumiliateinsultput downshame

   Antônimosdignifyesteemhonorrespectvalue

3. Break down chemicallyC1formalscientific

   To break down or decompose into simpler components.

   Decompor-se quimicamente

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

   Sinônimosbreak downcorrodedecaydecomposedisintegratedissolve