1. (v. t.) To make smaller in any manner; to reduce in bulk or amount; to lessen; -- opposed to augment or increase.

2. (v. t.) To lessen the authority or dignity of; to put down; to degrade; to abase; to weaken.

3. (v. t.) To make smaller by a half step; to make (an interval) less than minor; as, a diminished seventh.

4. (v. t.) To take away; to subtract.

5. (v. i.) To become or appear less or smaller; to lessen; as, the apparent size of an object diminishes as we recede from it.