transitive verb
1
: to draw together or cause to converge : consolidate
: to diminish in size, amount, extent, or number
: to decrease the volume and concentrate the flavor of by boiling
: to narrow down : restrict
2
: to restore to righteousness : save
3
: to bring to a specified state or condition
4
: to force to capitulate
5
: to bring to a systematic form or character
: to put down in written or printed form
6
: to correct (a fracture) by bringing displaced or broken parts back into their normal positions
7
: to lower in grade or rank : demote
: to lower in condition or status : downgrade
8
: to diminish in strength or density
9
: to change the denominations or form of without changing the value
: to construct a geometrical figure similar to but smaller than (a given figure)
: to transpose from one form into another : convert
: to change (an expression) to an equivalent but more fundamental expression
10
: to break down (as by crushing or grinding) : pulverize
11
: to bring to the metallic state by removal of nonmetallic elements
: to combine with or subject to the action of hydrogen
: to change (an element or ion) from a higher to a lower oxidation state
: to add one or more electrons to (an atom or ion or molecule)
12
: to change (a stressed vowel) to an unstressed vowel
intransitive verb
1
: to become diminished or lessened
especially
: to lose weight by dieting
: to become reduced
: to become concentrated or consolidated
2
: to become converted or equated
Last Updated:
– Updated example sentences
Merriam-Webster unabridged