Definition of diminish

< dimin.

diminished capacity >

di·min·ish    (d-mnsh) KEY 

VERB:
di·min·ished, di·min·ish·ing, di·min·ish·es
VERB:
tr.

1. 1. To make smaller or less or to cause to appear so.
   2. To detract from the authority, reputation, or prestige of.
2. To cause to taper.
3. Music To reduce (a perfect or minor interval) by a semitone.

VERB:
intr.

1. To become smaller or less. See Synonyms at decrease.
2. To taper.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English diminishen, blend of diminuen, to lessen (from Old French diminuer, from Latin dminuere, variant of dminuere : d-, de- + minuere, to lessen), and minishen, to reduce (from Old French minuiser, from Vulgar Latin *mintire, from Latin mintia, smallness, from mintus, small, from past participle of minuere); see mei-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
di·minish·a·ble(Adjective), di·minish·ment(Noun)