Weaken
/ˈwiːkən/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make or become less strong, fragile, or effective.
/ˈwiːkən/
To make something less strong
The constant rain weakened the foundations of the house.
💡 Simply: To make something less powerful or effective, like when your willpower weakens and you give in to eating a whole bag of chips. For example, the sun can weaken paint, making it fade.
👶 For kids: To make something not strong anymore. Like if you're tired, your legs weaken and you can't run very fast.
More Examples
Lack of sleep will weaken your concentration.
The company's profits weakened last quarter.
How It's Used
"The illness weakened his immune system."
"Economic downturns can weaken consumer spending."
To diminish the intensity or force of something abstract, such as a feeling, argument, or resolve.
/ˈwiːkən/
To reduce the force or effectiveness of something, such as a feeling or an argument.
The lawyer tried to weaken the witness's testimony by pointing out inconsistencies.
💡 Simply: To make something less intense. Like if you're really, really mad, but then someone tells you a joke, and it weakens your anger.
👶 For kids: To make something feel less strong. If you're angry, to weaken it makes you feel less angry!
More Examples
Her confidence weakened after several rejections.
The economic downturn weakened the demand for luxury goods.
How It's Used
"The therapist helped to weaken the patient's anxiety."
"His emotional appeal weakened his otherwise strong argument."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English *wekenen*, from Old English *wācnian* ('to become weak'), from *wāc* ('weak'). Related to Dutch *wekken* and German *wecken*.
Used since the 14th century, evolving from a simple physical description of strength to encompass more abstract concepts of force and intensity.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong rope starting to fray – it weakens strand by strand.
Word Origin
"to become weak"