WordNet
n. (geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it) [syn: erosion, eroding, eating away, wearing]
Usage examples of "wearing away".
In one corner sat the band, and, obedient to its scraping and blowing, two or three hundred dancers trampled across the dry ground, wearing away the grass with their booted feet.
It was clear enough, but it seemed to come from a great distance, and it spoke as always in unpleasantly ugly tones, as if even the minimal amount of stress thus created might be of value in wearing away the endless resistance of Solarian humanity.
It was hard to do, wearing away at his feeble confidence, to go forward on a feeling alone.
She thought for a moment and realized that Istvana was gently wearing away at her defenses, that her kindness and understanding and resemblance to Dio was infinitely soothing and very pleasant.
But now--maybe because of what had happened to him in the City, whatever that was, or maybe only increase of time wearing away the bond that had both held them and held them apart, Auberon had turned around.
The adrenalin and mindless euphoria were wearing away to be replaced by nausea, fatigue, and pain.
It was the same oilcloth on the table for as long as we lived in the house, but the shiny top part was wearing away in little creases and lines all over it, and the stiff cloth underneath was showing.
As the hours drew on, the resolution of the labouring woman was wearing away.
The wearing away of purpose-oriented life began the day I arrived in Dornoch, without my knowing it.