Notes intend to degrade (6)
I believe the answer is:
demean
'to degrade' is the definition.
('demean' can be a synonym of 'degrade')
'notes intend' is the wordplay.
'notes' becomes 'de' (two musical notes).
'intend' becomes 'mean' (synonyms).
'de'+'mean'='DEMEAN'
(Other definitions for demean that I've seen before include "'Put down, degrade (6)'" , "Discredit" , "Lower in reputation or standing" , "Degrade, abase" , "Reduce in worth" .)