withering

/ˈwɪðərɪŋ/

/ˈwɪθərɪŋ/

Other forms: witherings

Withering is the process of becoming weaker. You can watch the withering of a flower bouquet in water — over the days and weeks, the blossoms become droopy and faded.

You might talk about the withering of trees in a drought or the withering of people's bank accounts during an economic recession. Withering can also be used as an adjective, to describe something with a terrible, destructive strength, like a withering hurricane. It comes from the verb wither, to dry up or shrivel, from the Old English word wydderen, which is a variation on wederen, "to expose to the weather."

Definitions of withering

1. noun

   any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
   synonyms: atrophy

   type of:

   weakening

   becoming weaker
2. adjective

   wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction
   synonyms: annihilating, annihilative, devastating

   destructive

   causing destruction or much damage
3. adjective

   making light of
   “"to compliments inflated I've a withering reply"- W.S.Gilbert”

   synonyms: annihilating, devastating

   disrespectful

   exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous