ground down
Worn by friction
Ground down describes the state of being worn away or diminished through persistent pressure or friction.
Physically, surfaces get ground down by abrasion: The stones were ground down smooth by centuries of foot traffic.
More often the phrase is figurative—someone ground down by hardship, poverty, or relentless demands has had their spirit or energy depleted: Years of caregiving had ground her down.
- oppressedTreated with cruel control
- overworkedLaboring beyond healthy limits
- run raggedExhaust through excessive demands
- worn outDepleted through overuse
- worn thinEroded by repeated use
exhausted · crushed · weary · subjugated · pulverized · drained · depleted · undermined · demoralized · dispirited · grinding · defeated · spent · fatigued · toil · overburdened · strained · drudgery
ground downbuilt up
Increased through accumulation
accumulated · piled up · augmented · accreted · deposited
ground downuplifted
Made happier or higher
built up · lifted up · invigorated · energized · revitalized
ground, down, grounds, grounded, grounding, groundless, underground, downer, downward