mermar

to diminish

verb mehr-MAHR Rare

Also means

to dwindle

Usage Note

Mermar implies a gradual reduction in quantity, strength, or quality — commonly used for stocks, resources, or energy. Las reservas están mermando means 'the reserves are dwindling'. It is somewhat formal; reducir is the neutral everyday synonym.

Examples

"El frío mermó sus fuerzas."

Natural Translation

The cold diminished his strength.

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