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abîmer

to damage, to spoil

verb ah-bee-MEH Less Common

Usage Note

abîmer refers to damaging or ruining an object, and by extension can mean to harm one's health. The reflexive s'abîmer means to deteriorate or get damaged over time. The noun abîme (abyss) shares the root but has a distinct meaning.

Examples

"Ne laisse pas la pluie abîmer tes chaussures."

Natural Translation

Don't let the rain damage your shoes.

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