Desgastar is a verb.
/dɛsɡasˈtaɾ/
Desgastar refers to the action of reducing something's quality, effectiveness, or condition through use, friction, or stress. It can describe both physical objects being worn down as well as figurative uses, such as exhausting someone's energy or patience. The frequency of use is moderate, and it is common in both written and oral contexts, although it may occur more frequently in written language in discussions of materials or bodily fatigue.
Over time, the constant use of shoes can wear out the sole.
La presión del agua puede desgastar la roca en el río.
The pressure of the water can erode the rock in the river.
Su trabajo duro desgastó su energía antes de la reunión.
Desgastar also appears in several idiomatic expressions that typically involve the concept of exhaustion or wear and tear. Here are some examples:
He fought for hours without rest and wore himself out in the struggle.
Desgastar la paciencia – "To wear out someone's patience."
His constant complaints are wearing out my patience.
Desgastarse por el trabajo – "To wear oneself out by work."
He exhausted himself by work and needed a vacation.
Desgastarse en el camino – "To wear out on the way."
The verb desgastar comes from the prefix "des-" indicating removal or negation, and "gastar," which means to spend or use up. "Gastar" stems from the Latin "vastare," meaning to waste or lay waste. The combination of these components reflects the idea of using something up to the point where it loses its utility or value.
Synonyms: - Erosion (in a physical sense) - Consumir (to consume) - Agotar (to exhaust)
Antonyms: - Rejuvenecer (to rejuvenate) - Renovar (to renew) - Restablecer (to restore)