English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word "wear down" in English

What does "wear down" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

wear down

US /wer daʊn/
UK /wer daʊn/
"wear down" picture

Phrasal Verb

1.

to make someone feel tired and less able to deal with a situation

Example:
•
The constant negotiations began to wear him down.
•
The stress of the job is starting to wear her down.
Synonym:
exhaustfatiguetire outdrainsap
2.

to make something gradually disappear or become thinner or weaker by continuous use or rubbing

Example:
•
The constant friction will eventually wear down the brake pads.
•
The river has worn down the rocks over centuries.
Synonym:
erodeabradegrind downfraycorrode
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Related Word:
weardownwear offready-to-wearwear outshut downdown payment