wear down

Meaning

1. Oxford67% of films

   to make sb / sth weaker or less determined, especially by continuously attacking or putting pressure on them or it over a period of time

   I'm wore down and out. Tired of being insulted by them fellas.

   Ain't we worn down enough as it is?

2. Oxford33% of films

   to become, or make sth become, gradually smaller or smoother by continuously using or rubbing it

   See, the needle valve is worn down.

In the movies · 3

• Ain't we worn down enough as it is?How the West Was Won1962
• See, the needle valve is worn down.What's Eating Gilbert Grape1993
• I'm wore down and out. Tired of being insulted by them fellas.Shane1953
• Wear 'em down.The Boys in the Boat2023
• stronger and meaner to wear him down.White Dog1982
• Right. I wear them down, and you catch them.Klaus2019
• Wears you down, I guess.I'm Thinking of Ending Things2020
• Wears you down. You get bored, do something stupid, and he's got you.Top Gun1986

From the same entry

• wear your heart on your sleeve
• wear thin
• wear the trousers
• if the shoe fits
• wear away
• wear off
• wear on
• wear out
• wear yourself out
• wear and tear
• the worse for wear