Wither

/ˈwɪðər/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to become dry and shriveled

The flowers began to wither in the heat of the sun.

to cause something to decline or decay

The prolonged drought caused the crops to wither before harvest time.

to lose vitality or freshness

His enthusiasm for the project began to wither after several setbacks.

to diminish in force or intensity

The supporters' hopes withered as the team continued to lose.

Middle English, from Old English 'witheran; akin to Old Norse 'viðr', meaning 'to become withered'.

wither on the vine

To fail to develop or make progress; to decline in potential.

wither away

To diminish gradually until nothing remains.

wither and die

To fail completely or lose vitality.

withered

Describing something that has dried up or shriveled.

witheredness

The state of having withered.

To lose one's charm or appeal.

After the breakup, his social life totally withered.

To become outdated or irrelevant.

That trend has withered since the new style came out.