wear down

verb

wore down; worn down; wearing down; wears down

transitive verb

: to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure

Examples of wear down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their steps wear down the grass further, which makes the visual cue stronger and creates a positive feedback loop. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 Usually bubbly and upbeat, Marissa is visibly deflated and worn down by her partner’s demands. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024 As the disc wears down, surrounding muscles, ligaments, joints, and nerves in the spine absorb more pressure and can become damaged. Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Workhorse backs While the NFL has become a pass-first league, the ability to ground and pound, wear down defenses and run the clock remains vital. Rob Reischel, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wear down 

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear down was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near wear down

Cite this Entry

“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20down. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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