[di.min.ish] vb [ME deminishen, alter. of diminuen, fr. MF diminuer, fr. LL diminuere, alter. of L deminuere, fr. de- + minuere to lessen--more at minor] vt (15c) 1: to make less or cause to appear less
2: to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of: belittle
3: to cause to taper ~ vi 1: to become gradually less (as in size or importance): dwindle
2: taper syn see decrease -- di.min.ish.able adj -- di.min.ish.ment n