Etymology

Noun

1. A creature from (especially Scandinavian and other Germanic) folklore, usually depicted as having mystical powers and being skilled at crafts such as woodwork and metalworking. Sometimes pluralized dwarves, especially in modern fantasy literature.
2. A person with short stature, often one whose limbs are disproportionately small in relation to the body as compared with normal adults, usually as the result of a genetic condition.
3. An animal, plant or other thing much smaller than the usual of its sort.
4. An underground dwelling nature spirit famed for metalcraft in Heathenry.
5. A star of relatively small size.

Verb

1. To render (much) smaller, turn into a dwarf (version)
2. To make appear (much) smaller, puny, tiny

   The newly-built skyscraper dwarfs all older buildings in the downtown skyline.

3. To make appear insignificant

   Bach dwarfs all other composers.

4. To become (much) smaller

Synonyms

• (make much smaller) miniaturize, shrink
• (become much smaller) shrink