amoindrir

Amoindrir is a French verb meaning to diminish, reduce in amount, degree, or intensity. It is used to describe a decrease in quantity, impact, or force, as when costs, resources, or effects are made smaller or weaker. The term often carries a nuance of gradual or partial reduction rather than a complete elimination.

Etymology and form: Amoindrir derives from the older form amoindre, with the standard -ir verb endings. It belongs to the group of regular -ir verbs in terms of conjugation, following the typical stem amoindr- in the present tense (je amoindris, tu amoindris, il amoindrit, nous amoindrissons, vous amoindrissez, ils amoindrissent). The past participle is amoindri, used with auxiliary avoir (j'ai amoindri). The gerund is amoindrissant.

Usage: The verb is common in formal or technical writing and can appear in economics, law, environmental policy, and academic discourse. It is often used with nouns representing quantities or effects, such as coûts, dégâts, risques, or l’impact. Examples include:

- Le gouvernement cherche à amoindrir les coûts publics.

- Les mesures ont amoindri l’impact environnemental.

- L’association vise à amoindrir les risques pour les consommateurs.

Synonyms and related terms: diminuer, réduire, atténuer, limiter, amoindrissement (noun form). Antonyms include accroître, augmenter, amplifier.

Notes: Amoindrir implies a deliberate or measured reduction rather than a sudden or total disappearance. It is stylistically more formal and is frequently found in written discourse, policy documents, and analytical texts.