Definition

1. Verb (transitive & intransitive):
   • To gradually remove or reduce material from a surface through friction, erosion, or persistent use.
   • To cause something to diminish, deteriorate, or disappear slowly over time.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "wear away" takes a direct object (e.g., ).
• As an intransitive verb, it describes the process of gradual diminishment (e.g., ).
• It often describes a slow, natural, or mechanical process of attrition.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • The constant flow of water wears away the riverbank over centuries.
  • Repeated polishing can wear away the fine details on a sculpture.
• Intransitive use:
  • The paint on the old bench has completely worn away.
  • Over time, even the hardest stone will slowly wear away.

Advanced Usage

• "to wear away at something": To persistently and gradually erode or diminish something, often non-physical.
  • His constant criticism began to wear away at her self-esteem.
  • The patient's resilience was worn away at by the long illness.

Variants and Related Words

• Wear down (phrasal verb): Often similar, but can imply reducing resistance or strength, not just surface material.
  • We will wear down the enemy's defenses.
• Erode (verb): A close synonym, frequently used for geological processes or abstract concepts.
  • Acid rain erodes limestone buildings.
• Abrasion (noun): The process of wearing away by friction.

Synonyms

• Erode
• Grind down
• Diminish
• Corrode (when involving chemical action)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Wear down: To overcome resistance through persistent pressure or use.
  • The constant noise wore me down.
• Wear off: To diminish gradually and disappear, often referring to a feeling, effect, or surface layer.
  • The painkiller's effect began to wear off after a few hours.
  • The gold plating on the ring has worn off.

Related Idioms

• (To be) worn to a frazzle: To be completely exhausted, as if one's energy has been worn away.
  • After the 16-hour shift, the nurses were worn to a frazzle.

Verb

1. become ground down or deteriorate
   • Her confidence eroded
2. diminish, as by friction
   • Erosion wore away the surface
3. cut away in small pieces