to make or cause to seem smaller, less, less important, etc.; lessen; reduce.

Architecture . to give (a column) a form tapering inward from bottom to top.

Music . to make (an interval) smaller by a chromatic half step than the corresponding perfect or minor interval.

to detract from the authority, honor, stature, or reputation of; disparage.

to lessen; decrease.

verb

develop , enlarge , expand , extend , grow , increase , lengthen , prolong , compliment , flatter , praise

verb

abate , abbreviate , attenuate , become smaller , close , contract , curtail , cut , decline , decrease , depreciate , die out , drain , dwindle , ebb , extenuate , fade away , lessen , lower , minify , moderate , peter out , recede , reduce , retrench , shrink , shrivel , slacken , subside , taper , temper , wane , weaken , abuse , bad-mouth * , cheapen , cut down to size , decry , demean , derogate , detract from , devalue , dispraise , dump on , give comeuppance , knock off high horse , minimize , pan * , poormouth , put away * , put down * , run down * , tear down * , let up , peter , rebate , tail away , abridge , alleviate , bate , condense , deplete , detract , dilute , ease , erode , fade , narrow , sink , slake , subtract , wither