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dégrader

to degrade, to damage

verb deh-grah-DEH Rare

Also means

to demote (in rank)

Usage Note

Dégrader is used for physical deterioration (le temps a dégradé le bâtiment) and figurative decline (dégrader les relations). In a military context, it means to strip someone of their rank. The reflexive se dégrader describes worsening conditions: la situation se dégrade.

Examples

"Les intempéries ont dégradé la façade du bâtiment."

Natural Translation

The bad weather damaged the building's facade.

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