Weaken: Definition with Weaken Pictures and Photos

Definition of Weaken

1. Verb. Lessen the strength of. "The fever weakened his body"

Specialized synonyms: De-energise, De-energize, Break, Devitalise, Devitalize, Shake, Depress, Unbrace, Etiolate, Cripple, Stultify, Cut, Dilute, Reduce, Thin, Thin Out, Attenuate, Rarefy, Blunt, Mollify, Season, Temper, Debilitate, Drain, Enfeeble, Enervate, Dampen, Negate, Neutralise, Neutralize, Nullify, Castrate, Emasculate, Wash Out
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Antonyms: Strengthen
Derivative terms: Weakener, Weakening

2. Verb. Become weaker. "The prisoner's resistance weakened after seven days"

Generic synonyms: Decrease, Diminish, Fall, Lessen
Specialized synonyms: Attenuate, Disappear, Evaporate, Melt, Die Down, Collapse, Fade, Melt, Lessen, Subside, Blur, Dim, Slur, Languish, Pine Away, Waste, Dull, Pall, Loose, Loosen, Relax, Slacken, Slack, Slacken, Slow, Slow Down, Slow Up, Wilt
Antonyms: Strengthen
Derivative terms: Weakening

3. Verb. Destroy property or hinder normal operations. "The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war"

Exact synonyms: Counteract, Countermine, Sabotage, Subvert, Undermine
Specialized synonyms: Derail
Generic synonyms: Disobey
Derivative terms: Sabotage

4. Verb. Reduce the level or intensity or size or scope of. "De-escalate a crisis"

Exact synonyms: De-escalate, Step Down
Generic synonyms: Decrease, Lessen, Minify
Derivative terms: De-escalation, Step-down, Weakener
Antonyms: Escalate

5. Verb. Lessen in force or effect. "Break a fall"

Exact synonyms: Break, Damp, Dampen, Soften
Generic synonyms: Blunt, Deaden
Specialized synonyms: Deafen, Damp, Dampen, Deaden
Derivative terms: Damper, Weakener

Definition of Weaken

1. v. t. To make weak; to lessen the strength of; to deprive of strength; to debilitate; to enfeeble; to enervate; as, to weaken the body or the mind; to weaken the hands of a magistrate; to weaken the force of an objection or an argument.

2. v. i. To become weak or weaker; to lose strength, spirit, or determination; to become less positive or resolute; as, the patient weakened; the witness weakened on cross-examination.

3. v. t. To make weak; to lessen the strength of; to deprive of strength; to debilitate; to enfeeble; to enervate; as, to weaken the body or the mind; to weaken the hands of a magistrate; to weaken the force of an objection or an argument.

4. v. i. To become weak or weaker; to lose strength, spirit, or determination; to become less positive or resolute; as, the patient weakened; the witness weakened on cross-examination.