wear down
To make someone or something slowly lose strength or give up by keeping the pressure on.
Meanings
To reduce the thickness or effectiveness of a physical object through constant friction or use.
"The heels of his boots had been worn down to almost nothing."
To gradually break down someone's determination, resistance, or energy through persistent effort.
"The long siege was designed to wear down the enemy's will to fight."
To exhaust or demoralise someone through constant demands or difficulties.
"Years of caring for her elderly parents had really worn her down."
Used literally for physical objects that erode over time, and figuratively for people whose resistance or energy is slowly depleted. The figurative sense is very common in military, political, and personal contexts.
Commonly used with
Forms
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