degrade

• 动词，表示降低质量、价值或等级；使恶化，或使人失去尊严。

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.

   降低质量

   • 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.

   同义词cheapencorruptdebasedemeandeterioratedevaluediminishdowngradeimpairworsen

   反义词elevateenhanceimproverefineupgrade

2. Treat with disrespectB2formal

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

   贬低

   • 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.

   同义词abasebelittledebasedemeandisparagehumiliateinsultput downshame

   反义词dignifyesteemhonorrespectvalue

3. Break down chemicallyC1formalscientific

   To break down or decompose into simpler components.

   分解

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

   同义词break downcorrodedecaydecomposedisintegratedissolve