What is the term that means to reduce or dispose of something?

The term "divest" refers specifically to the act of disposing of something, especially in a formal or business-related context. It often involves selling off assets or relinquishing ownership of objects, investments, or obligations. This term is commonly used in discussions around finance, ethics, and corporate responsibility, where companies may divest from certain sectors or practices for various reasons, including ethical considerations or because they no longer align with company goals.

While "eliminate" may imply getting rid of something, it doesn't always convey the same sense of formal disposal or reduction associated with "divest." "Extract" refers to the act of removing something from a larger context, but it doesn’t imply disposal. "Decrease" involves reducing the quantity of something, but it does not necessarily mean to dispose of it entirely. Thus, "divest" is the most accurate choice for the definition of reducing or disposing of something in a deliberate manner.