The word 消磨 (xiāomó) is a compound formed by combining two characters with related meanings: 消 (xiāo), meaning "to vanish" or "to dissipate", and 磨 (mó), meaning "to grind" or "to wear down". Together, they create a vivid metaphorical concept of gradually wearing something away until it diminishes, most commonly applied to the idea of passing or whiling away time (as in 消磨时间) or slowly eroding one's will, energy, or spirit through tedious or unfulfilling activity. The term thus encapsulates a process of gradual consumption and attrition.