degrade

See: abuse, adulterate, condemn, contaminate, damage, debase, debauch, decry, defame, degenerate, demean, demote, denigrate, denounce, depreciate, deteriorate, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, disoblige, disparage, humiliate, libel, minimize, pillory, pollute, smear, sully, taint, tarnish, violate

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TO DEGRADE, DEGRADING. To, sink or lower a person in the estimation of the public.
     2. As a man's character is of great importance to him, and it is his interest to retain the good opinion of all mankind, when he is a witness, he cannot be compelled to disclose any matter which would tend to disgrace or degrade him, 13 How. St. Tr. 17, 334, 16 How. St. Tr. 161. A question having that tendency, however, may be asked, and, in such case, when the witness chooses to answer it, the answer is conclusive. 1 Phil. Ev. 269; R. & M. 383.