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degenerate

Definition

  • verb: to change to a worse state or condition
  • verb: to pass from a higher to a lower type or condition
  • adjective: having declined or become less specialized (as in nature, character, structure, or function) from an ancestral or former state
  • adjective: having low moral standards
  • often + 'into'
  • synonyms: abandoned, adulterate, alloy

Examples

  • As the disease progresses, the patient's health will 'degenerate' [='deteriorate'] rapidly.

  • He criticizes what he believes is a 'degenerate' society.

  • The meeting 'degenerated into' a shouting match.

Movie clips

Movie quotes