<p><strong>Verb:</strong></p><ul><li>to lower in dignity or estimation; bring into contempt</li><li>to lower in character or quality; debase</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><p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to become degraded; weaken or worsen; deteriorate</li><li>(especially of an organic hydrocarbon compound) to break down or decompose</li></ul>