weaken
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make someone or something lose their strength, power, or health.
to reduce the strength, power, or intensity of something. Transitive — takes a direct object.
Simple“The long illness started to weaken his muscles over several months.”
In context“The constant scandals began to weaken the public's trust in the government's ability to lead effectively.”
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to lose your own strength, power, or determination.
to become less strong, powerful, or determined. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
Simple“Her resolve began to weaken as the cold weather got worse.”
In context“As the storm moved inland, the winds started to weaken, eventually dropping below hurricane force.”
“Ozempic-like drugs appear to weaken more than hunger—they may also reduce cravings for alcohol and other addictive substances.”
“And the same heat that drives the demand also weakens the supply: gas turbines lose output as the air warms, and in June several UK plants had to be turned down.”
From weak + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.