to sap, to consume, to wear away
An Kraft, Gesundheit oder Lebensenergie verlieren, oft durch Krankheit oder Stress.
To lose strength or health due to something.
☞ Usually used with the preposition 'an'.
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Die schwere Krankheit hat ihn am Verstand gezehrt.— The severe illness wore away at his mind.
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Ständiger Stress zehrt an seiner Gesundheit.— Constant stress is sapping his health.