what does degenerate  mean
â¢ DEGENERATE (noun). The noun DEGENERATE has 1 sense: 1. a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior. Familiarity information: DEGENERATE used as a noun is very rare. â¢ DEGENERATE (adjective). The adjective DEGENERATE has 1 sense: 1. unrestrained by convention or morality. Familiarity information: DEGENERATE used as an adjective is very rare. â¢ DEGENERATE (verb). The verb DEGENERATE has 1 sense: 1. grow worse. Familiarity information: DEGENERATE used as a verb is very rare.