degradarla

Degradarla is a Spanish verb phrase formed by the verb degradar in its infinitive form together with the feminine direct object pronoun la. It translates roughly as “to degrade her” and is used when the action of degrading is directed at a female person or a feminine noun.

Grammatical notes: Degradar is a regular -ar verb. The pronoun la attaches to the infinitive in periphrastic constructions (por ejemplo, voy a degradarla, tengo que degradarla) and can also appear before a finite verb (la degrada, la degradó). When the object is masculine, the corresponding pronoun lo replaces la (degradarlo). The form of the phrase changes with tense and mood, but la always agrees in gender and number with the feminine object.

Usage and nuance: The expression conveys harm, humiliation, or debasement and is generally negative. It is used in contexts describing abusive behavior, moral denigration, or social critique. Examples include: “El supervisor la degradó ante sus compañeros” and “Voy a degradarla si no cambia.” Related verbs include humillar, denigrar, menospreciar. The phrase is not neutral in most contexts and is typically associated with wrongdoing or disrespect.

Etymology and related forms: Degradar comes from Latin degradare, formed with de- (down, away) + gradus (step, degree), originally implying lowering someone’s status or rank. Related nouns include degradación and denigración; related verbs include degradar, deshonrar, ofender.

See also: degradación, humillar, denigrar, menospreciar.