verb

diminish

dih-MIN-ish/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

Make or become smaller or less significant.

The candle flame diminishes as the wick is lowered.

Three candle flames decrease from bright tall to medium to tiny as a hand lowers wick, simple diminishing sequence.

Etymology

The pieces suggest making something thoroughly smaller, with an older image of breaking it into small pieces. This physical reduction extended to lowering power, importance, or esteem.

In context

Andrew Huberman58:14

you need to diminish the old experience. And when I say diminish, I mean, reduce the amplitude of the physiological response.

Erasing Fears & Traumas Based on the Modern Neuroscience of Fear

More examples

One mistake does not diminish the value of your work.
Our food supplies diminished during the long winter.
Thick curtains help diminish the noise from the street.

Forms

diminish · diminishes · diminished · diminishing

diminution noun — A decrease in size, strength, or importance.

Similar words

reduce: Usually means making something smaller, rather than becoming smaller.
lessen: Closely matches diminish, especially for amounts, intensity, or severity.
dwindle: Emphasizes becoming gradually smaller, often until little remains.