attrit

[ uh-trit ]

verb (used with object)

, at·trit·ted, at·trit·ting.

1. to wear down (an opposing military force) by numerical superiority in troops or firepower.

attrit

/ əˈtrɪt /

verb

1. to wear down or dispose of gradually
2. to kill

Word History and Origins

Origin of attrit¹

First recorded in 1750–60; back formation from attrition

Word History and Origins

Origin of attrit¹

C18: back formation from attrition

Example Sentences

David Centeno Jr., chief of the center’s Emerging Capabilities Office, says in the release that when US forces come under fire, the Army will need to “find ways to penetrate that bubble, attrit their systems, and allow for freedom of air and ground maneuver.”

From The Verge

“As we matured the project, we looked at the customer segment at the low end using promotional pricing, who were not engaging with the product. We told you in November there were 500,000 on the promotional pricing, and we started allowing those customers to attrit out. Now we have a customer base on the streaming that is growing and is highly engaged. We actually like where we are in terms of how we’re angling the streaming product.”

From The Verge

“I think that I’m able to do what we’re able to do, and manage my resources, so I can take advantage of an opportunity that he has presented me, and he presented that opportunity by continuing to funnel forces into Kobani. Again, the more I attrit him there, the less I’ll have to fight him on some other part of the battlefield,” Austin said.

From The Guardian

Exactly why so many aspiring computer scientists and engineers, particularly females, attrit is unclear.

From Seattle Times

Exactly why so many aspiring computer scientists and engineers, particularly those of the female persuasion, attrit is unclear.

From Washington Post