diminish /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ CET6 TEM4 ( diminishing, diminished, diminishes )

• 1. 

  V-T/V-I When something diminishes, or when something diminishes it, it becomes reduced in size, importance, or intensity. 使减少; 变少

  例：

  The threat of nuclear war has diminished.

  核战的威胁变小了。

  例：

  Federalism is intended to diminish the power of the central state.

  联邦制度旨在削弱中央政府的权力。

• 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. 贬低

  例：

  He never put her down or diminished her.

  他从未轻视过她或贬低过她。