Definition of the word degrade

The word "degrade" has its roots in 14th-century Old French, derived from the Latin words "degradare," meaning "to lead down" or "to lower." This Latin phrase is a combination of "de," meaning "down" or "from," and "gradare," meaning "to step" or "to step down." In the original sense, "degrade" referred to the process of stripping someone of their social status, office, or dignity. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the idea of lowering something's quality or value, such as degrading a surface through erosion or wear. In modern English, the word "degrade" can have positive or negative connotations, depending on the context. It can refer to the act of bringing something down to a lower level, whether intentionally or unintentionally, or it can describe the process of erosion or decay.