<p><strong>Verb:</strong></p><ul><li>to reduce in quality or value; adulterate</li><li>to lower in rank, dignity, or significance</li><li>to reduce (someone) to a lower rank, degree, etc.; deprive of office, rank, status, or title, especially as a punishment</li><li>to reduce in amount, strength, intensity, etc.</li><li>to wear down by erosion, as hills</li><li>to break down (a compound, especially an organic hydrocarbon)</li></ul>