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to wear down
[phrase form: wear]
01
to slowly weaken someone's emotional or mental strength over time, often due to continuous pressure or challenges
Examples
Dealing with chronic pain can wear a person down emotionally and physically.
The constant negativity in the environment wore down his optimism.
02
to become damaged through regular use
Examples
The repetitive use of the keyboard can wear down the letters on the keys.
Years of use have worn down the once-sharp edges of the kitchen knives.
