Impair

/ɪmˈpɛər/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To weaken or damage something, especially a function or ability.

Chronic alcohol consumption can impair mental faculties.

To make worse or less effective.

The heavy rain may impair visibility on the roads.

To cause a reduction in strength or quality.

Injury can impair an athlete's performance.

Middle English, from Old French 'empaïr', from 'em-' (to make) + 'pair' (harmful, defective).

impair one's capabilities

to reduce someone's abilities or effectiveness.

impairment of vision

the condition of having reduced visual function.

impairment

the state of being damaged or weakened.

damaged

having been harmed or damaged.

diminution

the process of diminishing or reducing.

to mess up

Don't impair the plans we made.

to screw up

He really impaired the project with his mistakes.