reduce

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To make something smaller in size, amount, or degree.

   The new policy aims to reduce traffic in the city center.

2. 2
   verb

   To make something simpler or break it down to a basic form.

   She reduced the problem to a single question.

3. 3
   verb

   To force someone into a worse or lower position.

   The war reduced once-wealthy families to poverty.

4. 4
   verb

   To boil a liquid so that some of it evaporates and it becomes thicker.

   The cook reduced the sauce by boiling it for a long time.

Common collocations

• reduce speed Verb + noun
• reduce the number Verb + noun
• reduce wear Verb + noun

From Middle English reducen, from Old French reduire, from Latin redūcō (“reduce”); from re- (“back”) + dūcō (“lead”). See duke, and compare with redoubt.

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