mermar

Senses

1. 1.

   to diminish, to reduce, to decrease

   to make or become smaller in quantity, size, or intensity

2. 2.

   to spoil, to impair, to harm

   to damage or diminish the quality or value of something

Examples

• "La sequía ha mermado los recursos hídricos del país."

  The drought has reduced the water resources of the country.

• "Su reputación se ha visto mermada por los escándalos recientes."

  His reputation has been damaged by recent scandals.

• "El consumo de energía ha mermado un 15% este año."

  Energy consumption has decreased by 15% this year.

Usage

Common in formal and journalistic contexts. Often used with abstract nouns (credibilidad, recursos, derechos) or with the passive construction 'verse mermado'. Regular -ar verb conjugation.