1To pare or shave off a surface or edge; to chip or slice off thin pieces from something.
包丁でにんじんの皮を薄く削ぐ。
I shave the carrot's skin thinly with a kitchen knife.
彫刻刀で木の表面を少しずつ削いで形を整えた。
I gradually pared the wood's surface with a chisel to shape it.
氷を薄く削いでカクテルに浮かべた。
I shaved the ice thinly and floated it on the cocktail.
2To sharpen (a blade) by paring or shaving material off; to hone or trim an edge.
料理人は出勤前に包丁の刃を削いで点検した。
The cook checked and sharpened his knives before starting work.
古いナイフの先をやすりで削いで使えるようにした。
I filed down the tip of an old knife to make it usable.
3To dampen or diminish (someone's enthusiasm, interest, etc.); to weaken or spoil something's appeal.
彼の冷たい言い方が私のやる気をそいだ。
His cold remark dampened my motivation.
余計な批判は会の雰囲気をそぐので控えよう。
Unnecessary criticism will spoil the atmosphere of the meeting, so let's refrain.
雨で花見の楽しみがそがれてしまった。
The rain ruined the enjoyment of the cherry-blossom viewing.