Emily Dickinson Lexicon

diminution, n. [AFr < L. dīminuere, lessen.]

1. Lessening; waning; minimizing; reduction of size; decrease in the apparent diameter of a receding body; [fig.] annulment; repeal; abrogation; legal reversal.
2. Devaluation; discredit; degradation; belittling; diminishing significance; loss of dignity; lowering of status.