Attrit

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /əˈtɹɪt/

Definitions

1. To gradually undermine or diminish the effectiveness of an entity through continuous stress or depletion over time
2. To systematically reduce the strength or effectiveness of something by consistent wear or usage over an extended period
3. To cause a slow loss of strength or effectiveness through ongoing pressure or fatigue

Etymology: English built this verb backwards. Its starting point is the noun "attrition," and the verb was made from it by stripping off the noun's ending, a process called back-formation. Dictionaries date this to centuries ago, so the verb is far older than most modern shortcuts of its kind. The root lies in Latin. "Atterere" meant to rub against or wear away, formed from "ad," meaning toward, and "terere," meaning to rub. Its past participle, "attritus," gave English the idea that constant rubbing gradually wears something down. That is the same image the verb keeps today when it describes strength or morale slowly eroding under steady pressure.

Synonyms: wear, erode, grind, abrade

Antonyms: repair, restore, fix