degrade in WordNet English dictionary

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