diminish

di·min·ish

verb \də-ˈmi-nish\

Definition of DIMINISH

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 taper

intransitive verb

1

: to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle

2

: taper

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

— di·min·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of DIMINISH

1. The strength of the army was greatly diminished by outbreaks of disease.
2. The drug's side effects should diminish over time.
3. Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions.

Origin of DIMINISH

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DIMINISH

Synonyms: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, decry, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off

Antonyms: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Related Words: discommend; abuse, scold; disapprove (of), dislike; censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify; discredit, disgrace

Near Antonyms: approve, countenance, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, sanction; commend, compliment, eulogize

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at decrease

Rhymes with DIMINISH

refinish