grind down

verb

ground down; grinding down; grinds down

transitive

1
: to make (something hard) smaller and smoother by gradual rubbing
2
: to weaken or destroy gradually
Poverty ground her spirit down.

Examples of grind down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His strategy to grind down his intended victim—with its much smaller population—by a war of attrition is faltering. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Those recommendations can include removing piles of wood outside, removing any ground-contact wood on your property and grinding down tree stumps. Dan Simms, USA Today, 12 May 2026 The decision was made to part company with the former Burnley and Everton manager, with the players having been ground down by Dyche’s focus on physicality in training. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 11 May 2026 Whole herbs and roots use the plant in its most natural state, while powders are ground down into an easy-to-mix format. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grind down

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grind down was in 1688

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Cite this Entry

“Grind down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grind%20down. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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