weaken

verb
UK: /ˈwiːkən/
US: /ˈwiːkən/

  1. To become less strong or effective.

    1. The sun can weaken the color of your clothes if you leave them outside.
    2. The scandal did weaken his position in the government and among the public.

  2. To make something less strong or effective.

    1. This medicine may weaken your muscles temporarily.
    2. The constant criticism began to weaken her confidence in her abilities and decisions.

Synonyms

undermine diminish reduce enfeeble impair
weaken intransitive-verb

  1. To reduce the power, intensity, or effect of something.

    1. Rain will weaken after midday.
    2. The storm will weaken as it moves further inland, decreasing the risk of coastal flooding.
weaken transitive-verb

  1. To reduce the physical strength of someone.

    1. The illness did weaken him.
    2. Prolonged lack of sleep can significantly weaken a person's immune system and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "weaken" in English means: To become less strong or effective., To make something less strong or effective..

The phonetic transcription of "weaken" is /ˈwiːkən/ in British English and /ˈwiːkən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "weaken": undermine, diminish, reduce, enfeeble, impair.

Example usage of "weaken": "The sun can weaken the color of your clothes if you leave them outside.". More examples on the page.