weaken
word
Definition
To make something or someone less strong, less effective, or less powerful.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with abstract concepts ('weaken an argument', 'weaken someone's resolve') and physical strength ('weaken muscles'). Can be both transitive ('stress can weaken the body') and intransitive ('her voice weakened'). Formal in tone; informal alternatives: 'wear down', 'sap'.
Spanish: debilitar - debilitarsePortuguese (BR): enfraquecer - enfraquecer-sePortuguese (PT): enfraquecer - enfraquecer-seChinese (Simplified): 削弱 - 变弱Chinese (Traditional): 削弱 - 變弱Hindi: कमज़ोर करनाArabic: يُضعِفBengali: দুর্বল করা - কমজোরি করাRussian: ослаблять - ослабетьJapanese: 弱める - 弱くなるVietnamese: làm yếu điKorean: 약화시키다 - 약해지다Turkish: zayıflatmakUrdu: کمزور کرناIndonesian: melemahkan
Example Sentences
Over time, rust will weaken the metal.
basic
His voice began to weaken after hours of talking.
basic
The scandal seriously weakened her chances of winning the election.
natural
Stress can weaken your focus and make it hard to concentrate.
natural
If you keep avoiding practice, your skills will weaken over time.
natural
Cold weather can weaken your immune system.
basic