grind down
phrasal verb
ground down; grinding down; grinds down
1
: to make (something hard) smaller and smoother by gradually rubbing off tiny bits
The old dog's teeth had been ground down by use.
2
: to weaken or destroy (someone or something) gradually
Poverty ground her spirit down.
These people have been ground down by years of oppression.
Examples of grind down in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He's thought to be a border collie, but the vet couldn't tell his age as his teeth were completely ground down from years of chewing on the metal chain.
—
Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
After grinding down these five victims to a nub Roy could move on to audial twin Michael Cohen.
—Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
Hicks, now more of a pitcher than thrower, had an excellent first half last year before grinding down.
—Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
At the first appointment, your dentist will grind down some tooth enamel (for porcelain or composite veneers) and then make a mold (impression) of your teeth (for all types of veneers).
—Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for grind down 
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Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
After grinding down these five victims to a nub Roy could move on to audial twin Michael Cohen.
—Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
Hicks, now more of a pitcher than thrower, had an excellent first half last year before grinding down.
—Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
At the first appointment, your dentist will grind down some tooth enamel (for porcelain or composite veneers) and then make a mold (impression) of your teeth (for all types of veneers).
—Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for grind down
Dictionary Entries Near grind down
Cite this Entry
“Grind down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grind%20down. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
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