Synonyms for degrade

These verbs mean to deprive of self-esteem or self-worth. Degrade implies reduction to a state of shame or disgrace: “If I pitied you for crying … you should spurn such pity᠁ Rise, and don't degrade yourself into an abject reptile!” (Emily Brontë).
Abase refers principally to loss of rank or prestige: “Meg pardoned him, and Mrs. March's grave face relaxed . . . when she heard him declare that he would … abase himself like a worm before the injured damsel” (Louisa May Alcott).
Debase implies reduction in quality or value: “debasing the moral currency” (George Eliot).
Demean suggests lowering in social position: “It puts him where he can make the advances without demeaning himself” (William Dean Howells).
Humble can refer to lowering in rank or, more often, to reducing in pride: dreamed of humbling his opponent.
To humiliate is to subject to loss of self-respect or dignity: a defeat that humiliated both army and nation.