The process of gradually wearing down or weakening through sustained pressure, friction, or harassment; a reduction in numbers typically through resignation or death rather than dismissal.
From Latin 'atterere,' meaning 'to rub against' or 'to wear away,' combining 'ad-' (to) and 'terere' (to rub). The word entered English in the 14th century, initially in theological contexts referring to imperfect repentance, but evolved to describe any gradual wearing away process.
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