wear down

verb

1. to consume or be consumed by long or constant wearing, rubbing, etc

2. to overcome or be overcome gradually by persistent effort

Idioms and Phrases

Diminish, weaken, or tire by relentless pressure, as in The heels of these shoes are quite worn down, or Her constant nagging about getting a new car wore down his resistance. [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

His style is orthodox, with a great ability to cut off the ring, wear down his opponents and land powerful punches that can define fights.

From Los Angeles Times

It has clearly taken lessons from the Ukraine war, where one can "just throw drones at the enemy" to wear down their defences, Dr Raska notes.

From BBC

The hitters also went into the game with a heightened focus, resulting in more extended at-bats that gradually wore down the Padres’ pitchers.

From Los Angeles Times

All that starting and stopping, which tends to happen more when driving in urban areas, wears down brakes faster.

From BBC

Bordeaux's sparkling backline took a back seat for the second half however as their forwards, including six of the replacements, gradually wore down Northampton.

From BBC