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.
The Panthers, who have beaten the spread four straight games, continue to play better football behind an improving Bryce Young and a defense that isn’t getting worn down by staying on the field too long. Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024 That would be useful for devices like glucose monitors or pacemakers where faulty or worn down power sources can lead to dangerous results. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024 Russia is trying to unnerve civilians and wear down their will to resist in the almost 3-year-old war, military analysts say. Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 Her brunette locks were worn down and parted in the center. Catherine Santino, People.com, 23 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 24 Dec. 2024.

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