Definition of the word wear down

The origin of the word "wear down" can be traced back to the late 14th century, during the Middle English period. The term "wearen" meant "to become worn" or "to grow old" and was used as a verb in Old English. As time passed, the meaning of "wearen" evolved, and by the mid-15th century, it had taken on the sense of "to make worn" or "to use up gradually." This form of the word became "wear," and it could be used as both a noun and a verb. The phrase "wear down" first appeared in the early 16th century. It was formed by combining the preposition "down" with the verb "wear." The use of "down" here signified the gradual decrease of something's strength or state, as if it were being worn down to nothing. Thus, "wear down" can be seen as a compound word that contains two distinct parts: "wear" (meaning "to become worn") and "down" (meaning "gradual decrease"). Together, they describe the process by which something is gradually worn away or reduced in strength or size over time.