di·min·ish 
/dəˈmɪnɪʃ/ verb
di·min·ish·es; di·min·ished; di·min·ish·ing /dəˈmɪnɪʃ/ verb 1 : to become or to cause (something) to become less in size, importance, etc. [+ obj] ▪ The passing years did nothing to diminish [=decrease, lessen] their friendship. ▪ The strength of the army was greatly diminished by outbreaks of disease. [no obj] ▪ My interest in the subject has steadily diminished. [=dwindled] ▪ The drug's side effects should diminish over time. 2 [+ obj] : to lessen the authority or reputation of (someone or something)
▪ Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions. : to describe (something) as having little value or importance ▪ I don't mean to diminish [=belittle, disparage] her accomplishments.
▪ Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions. : to describe (something) as having little value or importance ▪ I don't mean to diminish [=belittle, disparage] her accomplishments.
— di·min·ish·ment /dəˈmɪnɪʃmənt/ noun [noncount]
▪ the diminishment of her reputation
/dəˈmɪnɪʃmənt/ noun [noncount] ▪ the diminishment of her reputation
