schmälern

Schmälern is a German verb that translates to English as to diminish, reduce, lessen, or curtail. It generally refers to the act of making something smaller in size, quantity, intensity, or importance. The word can be used in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

In a literal sense, schmälern can describe the physical reduction of an object. For example, one might schmälern the size of a piece of cloth or schmälern a portion of food. However, it is more commonly employed in a figurative sense. It can describe the reduction of influence, power, or status. A politician might try to schmälern the reputation of an opponent, or a company might schmälern the benefits offered to employees.

The verb also applies to the reduction of intensity or severity. For instance, one might try to schmälern the impact of bad news or schmälern the effects of a disease. It can also relate to the curtailment of resources or opportunities, such as when a government might schmälern funding for a particular project. The core idea behind schmälern is always about making something less than it was before, whether in magnitude, scope, or significance. It carries a connotation of reduction or depreciation.