attrite

American  

[uh-trahyt] / əˈtraɪt /

adjective

1. Also attrited. worn by rubbing or attrition.

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verb (used with object)

attrited, attriting

1. to make smaller by attrition.

Usage

What does attrite mean? Attrite means to make smaller, wear down, or be lost due to attrition—a weakening or reduction. It can also be an adjective meaning “worn down” or “having been gradually reduced.”Attrite is far less common than its noun form, attrition, which can refer to a decrease in number; a gradual weakening; a wearing down by friction; or a reduction, as in a work force or similar group when people are lost for various reasons. Attrite is often used to refer to loss of employees or members of an organization.Example: We predict that 12 employees will attrite in the next four months.

Other Word Forms

• attriteness noun

Etymology

Origin of attrite

1615–25; < Latin attrītus rubbed against, rubbed away, worn away (past participle of atterere ), equivalent to at- at- + trī- (variant stem of terere to rub) + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

It came unbidden, it battered through his reason, it towered there and blotted out his thoughts until all that was left was a tremulous regret, an attrite compassion.

From We're Friends, Now by Varga, Mel

By collision of two bodies, grind The air attrite to fire.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah