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desgastar

to wear down

verb des-gahs-TAHR Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Also means

to erode

Usage Note

Desgastar describes the gradual wearing away of a surface (desgastar el suelo) or, figuratively, the wearing down of a person, relationship, or institution (el conflicto desgastó al gobierno). The reflexive desgastarse means to wear oneself out or to become eroded. The noun desgaste (wear, attrition) appears frequently in political commentary.

Examples

"El uso constante desgastó las ruedas."

Natural Translation

Constant use wore down the wheels.

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