the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > cause bad condition in [verb (transitive)] > cause to waste away > wear away or down > form or produce by (3)
transitive. To form (a hole, groove, etc.) by constant friction or pressure; = wear, v.1 12. Also figurative.
To form or make by wearing away; = eat, v. 11. With cognate object to fret its way.
To form or produce by attrition.