Grind down

Pro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Pressure

Used to describe a process that slowly wears away someone's will or strength, like consistent pressure on a person's spirit.

Years of dealing with bureaucracy could grind down even the most determined of activists.

Pro Tip 2/3

Emotional Drain

Often refers to emotional fatigue when facing persistent challenges or annoyances.

The relentless negativity from her peers eventually grinded her enthusiasm down.

Pro Tip 3/3

Conveys Struggle

Suggests an aspect of difficulty; it implies that the person being 'ground down' is resisting or struggling.

The team's spirit was ground down by the continuous losses.