degenerate meaning

degenerate as an adjective

1. unrestrained by convention or morality
   • Congreve draws a debauched aristocratic society
   • deplorably dissipated and degraded
   • riotous living
   • fast women

   Synonyms: debauched, degraded, dissipated, dissolute, libertine, profligate, riotous, fast

   Similar: immoral

degenerate as a noun

1. a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior

   Synonyms: pervert, deviant, deviate

   Type of: reprobate

   Kinds: fetishist, masochist, nymphomaniac, pederast, pedophile, sadist, sadomasochist, satyr, sodomite

degenerate as a verb

1. grow worse
   • Her condition deteriorated
   • Conditions in the slums degenerated
   • The discussion devolved into a shouting match

   Synonyms: devolve, deteriorate, drop

   Type of: worsen

   Kinds: tire, languish, waste

   Related forms: degenerative, degeneration

How to pronounce degenerate

degenerate is pronounced /dɪˈdʒɛnɚət/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.