Meaning & Definition of word "Wither"
to
Wither
/ˈwɪðər/
verb:
- 1. to become dry and shriveled
- Example: The flowers began to wither in the heat of the sun.
- 2. to cause something to decline or decay
- Example: The prolonged drought caused the crops to wither before harvest time.
- 3. to lose vitality or freshness
- Example: His enthusiasm for the project began to wither after several setbacks.
- 4. to diminish in force or intensity
- Example: The supporters' hopes withered as the team continued to lose.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'witheran; akin to Old Norse 'viðr', meaning 'to become withered'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
withered:
Describing something that has dried up or shriveled.
witheredness:
The state of having withered.
Slang Meanings of wither
Meaning: To lose one's charm or appeal.
Example Sentence: After the breakup, his social life totally withered.
Meaning: To become outdated or irrelevant.
Example Sentence: That trend has withered since the new style came out.