Causing tiredness or exhaustion through prolonged effort or strain. Something that gradually weakens or erodes one's energy or patience.
From Old English werian meaning 'to clothe' or 'to carry', the sense evolved from physical carrying to metaphorical burden. The meaning of 'exhausting' developed in the 16th century from the idea of something that 'wears down' one's strength.
The word 'wearing' beautifully captures how exhaustion feels like clothing that becomes heavier over time. Interestingly, it shares roots with 'weary' and connects the physical act of wearing clothes with the metaphorical weight of burdens.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.