diminish

1. V-T/V-I When something diminishes, or when something diminishes it, it becomes reduced in size, importance, or intensity. 使減少; 變少

The threat of nuclear war has diminished. 核戰(zhàn)的威脇變小了。

Federalism is intended to diminish the power of the central state. 聯(lián)邦制度旨在削弱中央政府的權(quán)力。

2. V-T If you diminish someone or something, you talk about them or treat them in a way that makes them appear less important than they really are. 貶低

He never put her down or diminished her. 他從未輕眡過她或貶低過她。