It means <span>make something smaller.</span>
It would help to read the poem, but based simply on the word, I would say it is used either in a negative way or inspiring way.
If you could let me know what poem it is, I may be able to help better :-)
Beowulf uses no weapons to kill Grendel.
Answer:
C, because getting familiar with the audience, or mock audience, leads to you not being nervous to talk.
