Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
wear-down
phrasal verb
/wɛr daʊn/
Definition
To gradually reduce the strength, energy, or confidence of someone or something.
Examples
- She tried to wear down his defenses with her constant questions.
- Over the years, the constant stress of work began to wear him down.
- They used the long debate to wear down their opponent’s arguments.
Meaning
The phrase indicates a slow but constant process of erosion or weakening over time.
Synonyms
- exhaust
- fatigue
- undermine
- drain
