| a. | 1. | causing humiliation or degradation; |
| Adj. | 1. | degrading - harmful to the mind or morals; "corrupt judges and their corrupting influence"; "the vicious and degrading cult of violence" Synonyms: corrupting |
| 2. | degrading - used of conduct; characterized by dishonor Synonyms: debasing |
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.