Main Entry: di·min·ish

Pronunciation: \də-ˈmi-nish\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English deminishen, alteration of diminuen, from Anglo-French diminuer, from Late Latin diminuere, alteration of Latin deminuere, from de- + minuere to lessen — more at minor

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : to make less or cause to appear less <diminish an army's strength>
2 : to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle <diminish a rival's accomplishments>
3 : to cause to taperintransitive verb 1 : to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
2 : taper

synonyms see decrease

— di·min·ish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective

— di·min·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun