What is the definition of attrition?

The term "attrition" refers to a gradual reduction in the strength or effectiveness of something through a sustained process, often characterized by a wearing down over time. In many contexts, such as military or business, it specifically describes the process where resources, personnel, or capacity are depleted due to factors like constant use, loss, or lack of reinforcement. Thus, the notion of weakening or destroying through gradual loss aligns perfectly with the definition of attrition.

In contrast, the other options do not properly capture this essence. The first option suggests an intensification of growth, which fundamentally opposes the idea of reduction implied by attrition. The third option advocates for an increase in strength, clearly not in line with attrition's concept of weakening. The last choice speaks to persuasion, which is unrelated to the physical or metaphorical wearing down intrinsic to attrition. These distinctions clarify why the correct answer, relating to the weakening and destruction, is indeed the most appropriate understanding of attrition.